Violence erupted at the Utah County Sheriff's Office (UCSO) when inmate Michael Jayne assaulted several corrections deputies during an investigation into contraband on Friday, an incident that left three deputies injured. According to the Utah County Sheriff's Office, the encounter turned physical when Jayne, being interviewed over the contraband, lashed out at the deputies by shoving an interview table at them and subsequently attacking them.
During the scuffle, Jayne allegedly clawed at a deputy's face, attempted to gouge their eyes, and used the deputy's eyeglasses as a weapon by trying to stab the officer. This assault resulted in "skin being ripped from the Deputy's eyelid, swelling, and scratches to both eyes," necessitating the wounded deputy to don an eye patch due to limited vision. The second deputy involved in the initial altercation sustained a broken elbow, with a bone fragment being chipped off, the Utah County Sheriff's Office detailed.
Back-up deputies who arrived on the scene managed to subdue Jayne and place him in restraints. In the aftermath of the violent exchange, four deputies were conveyed to local hospitals, with two of the additional responders treated for a sprained wrist, fingers, and a mild concussion, respectively. All deputies were expected to have follow-up visits to address and treat their injuries, with the hope that none sustained permanent damage.
The injuries to the UCSO personnel underscore the risks faced by corrections officers in the line of duty. Jayne did not sustain any substantial injuries and is under the watch of jail medical staff. He is facing multiple charges, including one count of Aggravated Assault by a Prisoner, two counts of Assault by a Prisoner, and one count of Criminal Mischief, as per the Utah County Sheriff's Office report, reflecting his alleged actions during the tumultuous event. Noted for his violent history, Jayne was already in custody on violent criminal charges.
