Three Maricopa County detention officers attacked by inmates this week

PHOENIX — Three county detention officers were attacked by inmates in separate incidents this week, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

“We will hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law those responsible for injuring our staff,” Sheriff Paul Penzone said in a press release.

The first attack happened Monday, when officers Thomas Touchet and Alfred Fuller were handing out laundry inside the Fourth Avenue Jail.

Touchet suffered a cut in his mouth, while Fuller had a broken nose.

The second incident happened Tuesday, when officer Clinton Payne was allegedly attacked by 36-year-old Shane Tadlock.

The inmate took Payne’s Taser and used it on the officer. Payne was being evaluated at a local hospital.

“These incidents remind us of the dangers involved in the daily routines of custody and detention,” Penzone said. “It also reemphasizes the importance of training, support, and back-up when something unexpected occurs.”

The two inmates who allegedly attacked Touchet and Fuller were 23-year-old Jamaine Richardson and 39-year-old Jerrold Burnett.

Richardson was convicted of armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and threatening.

Burnett was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery.

Tadlock was convicted of armed robber, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All of the inmates will likely face additional charges.

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