A Chelan County Sheriff's Deputy was attacked by two inmates at the Regional Justice Center on May 1. The assault was captured on surveillance footage, which showed an inmate knocking the deputy down and hitting him repeatedly. Another inmate is suspected of joining the assault and beating the deputy with stabbing motions to the head. The weapons used in the attack were improvised, according to County Commissioner Kevin Overbay. A responding deputy stopped the assault and isolated the inmates from the injured deputy. The deputy suffered puncture wounds and lacerations to the neck, arms, and head, but the injuries were not life-threatening.
Benito Licea and Javier Valdez have been charged with attempted murder and prison riot, and they are already suspects in two separate murders. David Lomeli-Vazquez was gunned down on April 18, 2022, in the 800 block of Methow Street, leading to a police chase and eventual capture of Licea and Andrew Francis Morrow. Valdez has been charged with aggravated first-degree murder in the August 2022 gang-related shooting of 18-year-old Yair Flores. Although Valdez was not the gunman, police say he took no action and stood by while the shooting occurred.
The incident serves as a reminder that some incarcerated individuals are violent offenders, and quick response, training, and dedication from law enforcement personnel are crucial.