By Mason Edwards
Chattanooga Times Free Press, Tenn.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Nine men were charged with aggravated assault and aggravated riot after a group attack left two inmates at the Hamilton County jail hospitalized, according to an arrest report.
Corrections staff placed two inmates into a new unit at the jail around 1 p.m. Nov. 14, deputies said. Video evidence showed escalating arguments between one of the victims and one of the accused attackers, Robert Siler, 39. He talked to a group of prisoners, left and then returned with a blanket.
Meanwhile, the camera footage showed one of the victims banging on the main door to alert jail staff, deputies said. The group of alleged attackers circled one of the victims, and then Siler threw a blanket at the victim.
Eight other inmates, Quadarius Watkins, 21, Kodi Johnson, 31, Robert Brown, 20, Denzel Roberson, 21, Demetre Isaac, 21, Samuel Roberson, 19, Dominique Jones, 32, and Tyreek Harris, 19, are accused of hitting and/or using improvised weapons while trying to stab the victim.
The scuffle caused the alleged attackers to make a few laps around the room, deputies said, and toward the end, Isaac attacked the second victim, who was still banging on the door for attention. The alleged attackers continued to hit and stomp on the first victim, who had the blanket thrown at him, while he was on the ground.
When corrections staff arrived, the group dispersed and jail medical staff treated the injured victims.
By around 3 p.m., a deputy was dispatched to the jail in connection to the stabbing. None of the alleged attackers spoke to deputies about the incident.
The first victim was taken to the hospital with a possible fractured rib, possible lacerations and unknown internal injuries. The second victim was sent to the hospital with a possible broken jaw and orbital fracture.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to emailed questions about the incident.
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