Oct 27, 2022

Kan. jail deputy suffers broken nose, hand after inmate attack

Posted Oct 27, 2022 2:00 PM
Le-photo Sedgwick County
Le-photo Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is recovering from injuries after an attack by an inmate.

On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County jail reported the assault that occurred just after 10:30a.m. October 22 in the detention facility, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Robin Busch.

The deputy was attempting to check on a toilet inside of a cell. The inmate identified as 53-year-old  Phuoc Tan Le is currently housed in a single occupancy cell due to repeated disciplinary issues within the Detention Facility.

When the deputy entered the cell, Le became aggressive and attacked the deputy. After an approximately two-minute physical altercation, the deputy was able to push his panic pager. A response team came to the pod and was able to secure the inmate and get the deputy the medical assistance needed.

The inmate was seen by clinic staff and was reported to have no apparent injuries.

The deputy involved received a fractured nasal bone and a fractured right hand that will require surgery. After receiving treatment at the hospital, the deputy was released to return home.

 Phuoc Tan Le has been in custody since August 29, 2022. He is currently being held on two counts of public nudity, lewd and lascivious behavior, criminal trespass and interference with an LEO. New charges include aggravated battery, aggravated battery on an LEO and criminal damage to property, according to Busch.

Le has been booked into Sedgwick County Jail 14 times between 2005 and 2022.