By Allison White
Eureka Times Standard
EUREKA, Calif. — Two correctional officers at Humboldt County Juvenile Hall were sent to the hospital after they were allegedly assaulted by a detainee on Sunday, with one still being treated for severe head injuries.
Corey Tyler Shannon-Johnson, 18, of McKinleyville was being held at the facility for undisclosed reasons, as it involves his juvenile record. At about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, the Eureka Police Department responded to juvenile hall to assist staff with a subject reported to be fighting with hall staff, according to the EPD.
The two corrections officers had reportedly opened Shannon-Johnson’s cell because of “safety concerns,” according to the press release. Once the cell was open, Shannon-Johnson allegedly attacked them, gouging the eyes of one correctional officer and then knocking the other to the ground and kicking and stomping him in the face numerous times.
Both officers were transported to the hospital. One was treated and released for injuries to his eyes, and the second was flown to Santa Rosa where he is in an intensive care unit at an undisclosed hospital for treatment of severe head injuries.
Chief Probation Officer Bill Damiano said all the officers on duty during that shift have been given some time off “to gather themselves” before coming back after such an incident.
“Everybody was pretty severely affected,” he said. “It highlights that what we do is inherently dangerous.”
Damiano said he could not comment on what the safety concerns were that led the correctional officers to open the cell. However, he said that his staff is charged with preventing detainees from hurting others and themselves.
Due to the juvenile hall’s location, it is in the Eureka city limits and falls under EPD’s jurisdiction. When EPD arrived at the scene, Shannon-Johnson was booked into Humboldt County jail on felony assault of a correctional officer. According to EPD, the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be brought.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said she could not comment on whether Shannon-Johnson was being held with the general population in the jail or if he was being held separately.
“He is housed appropriately considering the charges for which he was booked,” she said.
According to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, they have not received the incident report yet, but Shannon-Johnson will likely be arraigned on Wednesday.
Copyright 2010 Times - Standard