Prison Inmate Attacks Correctional Officer

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COALINGA – An inmate at the Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) attacked two correctional officers on Thursday leaving both injured prison officials said. PVSP, located in Fresno County, houses approximately 3200 minimum to maximum security inmates.

On Thursday, January 26, 2017, at around 7:00 p.m., a correctional officer was monitoring the dayroom when an inmate identified as 25-year-old Brandon Lawrence approached the officer and began hitting him in the head and face with his fists. The officer defending himself from the attack using his own fists. Prison officials said that the control booth officer activated an alarm and ordered all of the inmates in the dayroom to get down on the ground. The officer then notified all staff of the emergency.

During the struggle, the officer was able to grasp Lawrence and pull him to the floor. He wrapped his arms around Lawrence’s upper torso and held him to the ground using his body weight. The staff responded and assisted the officer by placing Lawrence in handcuffs and leg restraints.

The officer sustained a bruised nose and facial swelling. A second responding officer sustained a bruised knee. The officers were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries and were subsequently released. Lawrence, who was incarcerated and serving an eight-year sentence for attempted murder and inflicting great bodily injury in Tulare County was not injured and was placed in short-term restricted housing. He is now facing charges of battery on a peace officer.