A Florida inmate is facing new charges after assaulting a detention officer in prison– but it was other inmates who came to the law enforcement officer’s rescue, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The shocking incident happened on June 7 around 1 a.m., but the sheriff’s office released details on Wednesday. According to jail officials, a 42-year-old inmate, Bridgette Harvey, approached Deputy Lillian Jimenez, saying another inmate needed a deputy’s help.
While Deputy Lillian Jimenez was heading to the women’s bathroom to conduct a welfare check on 37-year-old April Colvin, inmate Harvey approached her from behind and placed a pillowcase around her neck “in an attempt to choke her,” according to a news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
“Deputy Jimenez called for the Emergency Response Team via her radio, while several inmates came to her rescue by removing the pillowcase from around her neck and freeing her from Harvey’s grip,” the agency said.
Jail officials soon arrived and helped the deputy out of the inmate pod, saying she had minor injuries to her neck and throat. Harvey was put in restraints and removed from the pod.
Investigators said Harvey admitted to planning the assault and was also in possession of a comb that she sharpened with her teeth.
Harvey faces charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, and escape from confinement.
April Colvin also faces a charge of escape from confinement.
“While these inmates put our deputy in danger, there were others who did the right thing by coming to her aid, and for that, I am grateful,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Thanks to the quick response of our Emergency Response Team and the inmates who showed compassion to help our deputy, a dire situation turned into the safe rescue of Deputy Jimenez. The assailant and her co-conspirator now face additional charges for assaulting her.”
Jail records show Harvey was initially booked on May 31 on charges of home invasion robbery with a firearm, petit theft, and possession of a controlled substance. All were from an out-of-county warrant from Pasco County.
Colvin was booked May 24 on charges of petit theft, possession of a controlled substance, resisting officer without violence, trespassing, loitering and prowling.
