A Texas inmate is accused of assaulting two correctional officers during a routine cell search, leaving one with a concussion and the other with injuries to her knee and hip.
The San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office identified the inmate as 18-year-old Joshua Mullenix of Shepherd, Texas. The news release said the alleged assault happened at the county jail on Oct. 12 around 8:12 a.m.
According to the sheriff’s office, two correctional officers were searching Mullenix’s cell for contraband when he allegedly became combative and attacked both of them.
One officer was reportedly struck multiple times in the head and neck, while the second officer was allegedly thrown onto the concrete floor when she attempted to help restrain Mullenix.
Two Officers Injured
The sheriff’s office said the first officer suffered bruising, swelling, and a mild concussion. The second officer sustained a sprained knee and hip injury.
Both officers were brought to a local hospital where they received medical treatment for their injuries. One of the officers was unable to return to work for the remainder of the week because of the injuries she sustained, according to the sheriff’s office.
Mullenix was reportedly already incarcerated at the San Jacinto County Jail on an unrelated charge. After the alleged assault, he was placed in a segregation cell without further complications, the sheriff’s office said.
A segregation cell means that Mullenix is being held separately from the general jail population. It was not stated whether officers actually found any contraband in his cell.
Two Felony Charges Reported
Following an investigation, the sheriff’s office said Mullenix was charged with two counts of assault on a public servant, both third-degree felonies.
An attempt to locate Mullenix’s booking information was unsuccessful, so we could not independently verify his booking details, bond amount, or court information. We also could not confirm what Mullenix was being held for initially before his assault charges.
Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 states that assault against a public servant who is lawfully performing official duties can be charged as a third-degree felony when the person knows the victim’s status. Texas Penal Code Section 12.34 sets the punishment for a third-degree felony at two to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000 if proven guilty.
Those penalties apply to each felony conviction. The actual sentence, if Mullenix is convicted, would depend on the circumstances and the court’s decision.
Mullenix is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.