By C1 Staff
GILA COUNTY — An inmate who attacked a correctional officer during an escape attempt from a hospital was sentenced for additional time.
Morgan Gaona, 22, attacked the officer with handcuffs while being transported to the Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, according to the Payson Roundup. Gaona also bit the officer during the assault. The officer and hospital staff were eventually able to subdue the inmate.
He pleaded guilty to attempted dangerous or deadly assault by a prisoner. Deputy County Attorney Shawn Fuller asked for an aggravated term of incarceration because the victim suffered significant physical and emotional harm.
Gaona was sentenced to an additional 8.5 years.