By TJ Macias
The Charlotte Observer
MOUNT VERNON, Ill. — Illinois State Police released surveillance footage of an inmate who attacked and disarmed a correctional officer in an escape attempt before a shooting occurred inside a Jefferson County Courthouse.
The footage was released on the department’s Facebook page on Oct. 29 and shows 55-year-old Fredrick Goss struggling with a correctional officer inside the sally port before grabbing his sidearm as he prepared to transport him to a jury trial inside the courthouse, according to state police.
The officer had uncuffed Gosson Oct. 26 before assisting him into a wheelchair from the transport vehicle. It was noted that Goss was not to be restrained before the jury, McClatchy News reported.
Video shows a deputy, who witnessed the attack on video surveillance, coming to aid the officer. That deputy fired at Goss, striking him.
“To protect the life of the Correctional Officer and himself, the Deputy confronted the armed inmate and was forced to fire his weapon,” a news release about the shooting says. “The inmate was injured by the gunfire. Immediate assistance was requested.”
Goss was transferred to a St. Louis area hospital, WSILTV.com said.
The correctional officer had minor injuries while the deputy was not hurt.
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