LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – A violent incident at the Lake County Jail has led to new charges for an inmate who attacked a correctional officer during a routine check, authorities said.
Attack Against Correctional Officer
What we know:
Raymond Smith, 46, who faces murder charges, was discovered with several library books in his cell during a routine check by a correctional officer on Jan. 6.
Raymond Smith, 46. (Lake County Sheriff’s Office)
The officer told Smith he could keep five books, but needed to return the others to the book checkout area.
Smith became angry, clenching his fists, prompting the officer to call for backup. Smith then lunged at the officer, striking him in the face several times and attempting to choke him, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The officer was able to escape and used pepper spray, forcing Smith to retreat to his cell. Backup arrived, and Smith was taken to the jail’s maximum-security pod.
The officer suffered contusions and lacerations, was transported to a hospital, and was released later that day. He returned to work the following day.
Additional Charges :
Following the incident, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges against Smith:
- Three counts of aggravated battery to a correctional officer
- Resisting a correctional officer causing injury
- Resisting a correctional employee
Smith appeared in court Friday morning for the new charges and was ordered to remain in custody.
What they’re saying:
“Correctional officers perform one of the most challenging and underappreciated jobs in law enforcement, often facing unpredictable and dangerous situations. This incident highlights the very real risks they encounter every day to maintain order and safety within the jail. While the injuries our correctional officer sustained were serious, we are very grateful they were not worse, and I commend him for his strength and resilience in returning to work the day after the attack,” said Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg.
What we don’t know:
The officer’s identity has not been released, and it is unclear when Smith’s next court date is or how the new charges might affect his current sentence.
We’ll bring more updates to this story as they become available.
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