Media

Corrections Deputy Attacked by Inmate at the Shelby County Jail

Release Date: April 26, 2005

A Shelby County Corrections Deputy was attacked this morning by a male inmate at the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar Avenue.

Corrections Deputy Patricia Campbell, 46, a Corrections Deputy since May, of 1995, is assigned to the 2nd floor of the jail.

Approximately 20 inmates, all with medical conditions, were being housed on the floor at the time of the attack.

Investigations say inmate John Spates, 37, who has been in jail since May 25, 2004, was in jail for aggravated burglary.

Officers say just after 10:00 this morning, Spates attacked Deputy Campbell with a blade he had taken from disposable razor.

She was wounded in the neck and was taken to Methodist University Hospital in non-critical condition.

John Spates has had other altercations with the staff during his stay at the jail. He was charged with two counts of assault to commit bodily harm and one count of assault with offensive contact in his dealings with the jail staff.

He faces several charges which are currently still under investigation.

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