Jailer out of hospital after inmate assault

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Davison County Jail Administrator Don Radel said a correctional officer was released from the hospital Wednesday evening after being assaulted by an inmate Tuesday night.

Officer James Dietz was treated for multiple facial fractures at Avera Queen of Peace.

Radel said Dietz was doing his rounds after 10 p.m. Tuesday, and discovered two inmates involved in “fishing,” which Radel said is an “inmate technique” used to pass things between cells or pods by using a heavier object to anchor a string.

“It’s usually used to get notes or messages or commissary items,” Radel said. “It’s not an allowed practice. Usually, they’re trying to slip something by you.”

Once Dietz discovered the practice, Radel said the officer approached the inmate through an open pod door to retrieve the contraband. Then, Radel said, the inmate struck Dietz several times, knocking him out of the doorway and into the hallway, where the inmate continued to assault Dietz.

Another on-duty officer, Justin Tuckerman, retrieved one of the jail’s Tasers and warned the inmate away from Dietz. A third officer, Lt. Cindy Voyles, arrived and they escorted the inmate back to his cell, where Radel said he is currently on lockdown.

Radel said Dietz is a part-time officer who has worked for the Davison County Jail since last summer. Radel said Dietz previously was a corrections officer in Clay County.

Radel said the jail will not release the name of the prisoner until formal charges are announced through the state’s attorney. Radel said the charges likely will be aggravated assault on an officer, which is a Class D felony in South Dakota.

It’s an uncommon occurrence in Davison County, Radel said.

“We get the occasional wrestling match when we’re trying to restrain someone,” Radel said. “An out-an-out assault on an officer, luckily, is pretty rare.”

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