SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a jail inmate on felony charges for damaging the windows in his cell.
Just after 2 a.m. Friday, a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy, conducting physical rounds, discovered an inmate in the process of breaking a hole in his outer cell window, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.
The deputy immediately removed the inmate from the cell and secured the area.
While conducting regular physical rounds inside the housing unit the deputy noticed paper covering a portion of the window. The deputy instructed the inmate to remove the items so he could examine the window. When the items were removed the deputy observed damage to the window approximately six inches in diameter. The inmate had already managed to break through the first several layers of glass, but was stopped before gaining access to the outside of the building.
The inmate involved was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail approximately three months ago and is currently being held on one count of First Degree Murder.
As a result of the damage to the window a case was cut for felony criminal damage to property. That case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for charging at a later date, according to Blick.
A hole of this size, with access to the outside of the building would have provided an access point to introduce dangerous contraband into the secure portion of the facility. Due to the attention to detail and quick action of the Detention Deputy involved, the inmate was unable to gain access to the outside of building.