By Greg Friese
KYLE, Texas — A Hays County Corrections Officer was guarding an inmate who was getting medical treatment at Seton Hospital in Kyle. According to the Hays County Sheriff’s office, the inmate in an attempt to escape, assaulted the corrections officer and ran on foot through the emergency room.
The corrections officer discharged his firearm and struck the inmate, Joshua Leon Wright, 36. Medical staff immediately started life-saving measures but the inmate succumbed to his injuries. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra has asked the sheriff’s office to release all video documentation of the incident.
Authorities say there are conflicting reports about Wright, a pre-trial detainee, being in foot shackles and if he may have threatened hospital staff with sharp medical instruments.
The inmate was in Hays County Jail facing these charges:
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle,
- Bail Jumping,
- Fail to Appear,
- Reckless Driving,
- Criminal Mischief, and
- Evading Arrest and Detention.
As per Hays County Sheriff’s Office policy, the Texas Rangers were called to the scene to assist with the investigation. The corrections officer has been placed on administrative leave as per protocol.