SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 19, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake County Jail was put on lockdown Tuesday after an inmate had a confrontation with an officer over the unauthorized passing of an item of contraband.
A news release from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that just after noon on Tuesday, an officer in the medium-security housing area had a confrontation over the food item from the commissary.
“While the officer was escorting the prisoner back to his cell, the prisoner turned on the officer, struck him with his fist and a brief fight between them ensued,” the prepared statement said.
“The officer was able to call for back-up and get the prisoner into his cell without further incident. The officer sustained minor injuries, was checked by our medical staff and referred to work care for treatment if necessary.
“Per protocol, the facility has been placed on lockdown until the incident can be investigated and the jail command staff feel like it is safe to lift the lockdown. All essential services such as medical, mental healthcare and booking will continue.
“At this time, the incident appears to be a random, single act and there are no concerns of further conflict.”
Phillips was booked into the facility on March 17, 2016 for outstanding warrants as well as burglary, drug and theft charges.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information becomes available.
