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Lake County Sheriff: Inmates attacked officer during attempted jailbreak

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 5 months AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | April 9, 2024 12:00 AM

Two Lake County inmates attacked a detention center officer in a foiled escape attempt Friday, authorities say.

The inmates, who were not identified, launched the unsuccessful jailbreak about 7 p.m. after taking control of the detention center officer’s keys, Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said in a media release. Another officer intervened and ultimately corralled the pair, he said. 

Lake County deputies and Polson Police officers responded to the jail following the attempted escape to “quell further disturbances … and lock all inmates down,” Bell said. 

The alleged escape attempt remains under investigation. The Lake County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the incident for possible criminal charges, Bell said. 

He thanked the Polson Police Department for assisting the Sheriff’s Office.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].

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