A San Diego County sheriff’s deputy escaped with only cuts to his hand after he was allegedly attacked by an inmate with a makeshift knife at the San Diego Superior courthouse on Friday.
Investigators said the incident was reported around 9 a.m. while an inmate, who had just finished making a scheduled court appearance, was being transferred from a holding cell to be taken back to Vista jail, Sgt. Shane Burt said.
When a deputy opened the holding cell door, the inmate lunged at him while wielding a makeshift knife, Burt said. The deputy was able to fend off the attack and restrain the man before backup arrived.
A photo provided by sheriff’s officials of the weapon shows a 4-inch object, seemingly tied together with twine.
The deputy was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries, and the inmate was taken to a hospital with a small gash to the top of his head.
The inmate was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer and possession of a weapon in jail.
