By Corrections1 Staff
LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Corrections Officer Hanna Suite was seriously assaulted by inmate Kamisha Raquel Thomas at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on Friday evening. According to a St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, Thomas, 30, initiated the attack by throwing a cup of liquid at Suite, followed by a series of blows to the officer’s face and head.
Suite managed to call for help via her radio while defending herself from the repeated strikes. Several female inmates came to Suite’s aid, helping to halt the assault.
Suite was later taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, where she received treatment for multiple abrasions, a laceration to her left eyebrow, hematomas, and potential concussion symptoms.
In recognition of her bravery, Sheriff Steve Hall awarded Suite the Sheriff’s Office Purple Heart Medal in a visit to her home on Saturday afternoon. “I am very proud of the way she stood her ground and refused to give up until help could arrive,” Hall said.
Sheriff Hall also expressed his gratitude for the inmates who intervened. “It’s a testament to the respect the inmates had for C/O Suite and that there is a lot of good within the detention center,” Hall said.
Inmate Thomas has been charged with 1st Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Assault, 1st Degree Assault on a DOC employee, and 2nd Degree Assault on a DOC employee.
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