Rancho Cucamonga, California – In a shocking incident captured by surveillance cameras at the West Valley Detention Center in San Bernardino County, an inmate used a homemade metal knife in a violent attack on a deputy. The incident occurred on June 11 around 2:45 p.m., as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The inmate, identified as 25-year-old Christopher Lommie Jackson, who had been in custody since 2019 for various violent charges including alleged murder, attempted to stab another inmate before turning his weapon towards a deputy. The footage shows Jackson lunging out of his cell with a knife in hand, making contact with the deputy, and initiating a struggle on the ground.
Despite the vicious attack, other deputies quickly intervened and subdued Jackson. The 45-year-old deputy involved suffered moderate injuries to his face and was treated at a local hospital before being released. It remains unclear if the inmate targeted by Jackson prior to the attack on the deputy sustained any injuries.
According to authorities, such violent attacks on deputies within correctional facilities pose a significant threat to the safety of both employees and inmates. San Bernardino County alone witnessed 236 assaults on deputies from 2020-2023, with 51 violent attacks recorded so far this year.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus highlighted the seriousness of such violent behavior, emphasizing the need to maintain order and security within correctional facilities. Charges of attempted murder have been filed against Jackson by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in response to the attack on the deputy.
The incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officials working in correctional facilities and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates. As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to holding individuals accountable for any acts of violence within such facilities.