Inmates Praised After Saving Deputy From Being Attacked By Fellow Inmates

Inmates at a county jail in Florida are being praised for helping a deputy who was attacked by a fellow inmate last week, authorities say.

On June 7, Deputy Lillian Jimenez was attacked at the Hillsborough County Jail. An inmate had told Jimenez that another inmate needed her assistance in a restroom.

When Jimenez went to check on inmate April Colvin, inmate Bridgette Harvey walked up from behind Jimenez. She then put a pillowcase around the deputy’s neck in order to choke her.

A video shows the incident occurring as other inmates rush in to help the deputy. The inmates took the pillowcase off of the deputy’s neck and got her free from Harvey’s hands until help could arrive.

Jimenez was able to call authorities during the attack, stating that she had injuries to her neck and throat.

The emergency response team put Harvey in restraints and led her away from the scene. She later admitted to planning her actions and was found with a comb “that she had sharpened on both ends with her teeth.”

Harvey, 42, has been charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a weapon. She is also charged with introduction of contraband into a detention facility and two counts of escape from confinement.

Colvin, 37, has been charged with escape from confinement.

Two other inmates have been put in solitary confinement in relation to the incident, authorities say.