Detention deputy was caught off guard by inmate's sudden attack—what the other prisoners did next stunned the internet
When a detention deputy, Lillian Jimenez, was attacked, help came from the most unexpected source. The deputy was on duty and was doing the rounds when one inmate attacked her and covered her face with a pillowcase. The woman was trying to choke the deputy with the piece of cloth. Another inmate also knew about her plan and had joined in the attack. That's when the other inmates noticed what was happening and rushed to the deputy's aid, per a Facebook video posted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The incident was caught on camera in the women's pod of the Hillsborough County jail. The inmate was trying to choke Jiminez with the pillowcase. Another inmate was also involved in the attack and it was getting hard for the deputy to defend herself. At that moment, the other inmates noticed the commotion. They realized that the deputy was in danger and many of them rushed to help her and set her free from the inmate's hold. The deputy could get out of the incident safely because of all the help she received from the inmates and the emergency team. There were only minor injuries that could be checked upon and treated.
Sheriff Chad Chronister remarked, "While these inmates put our deputy in danger, there were others who did the right thing by coming to her aid. For that, I am grateful." He added, "Thanks to the quick response of our Emergency Response Team and the inmates who showed compassion to our deputy, a dire situation turned into the safe rescue of our Deputy Jimenez." The man shared that the attacker and the co-conspirator were now facing additional charges for attacking the deputy. Jimenez had called for help using her radio after the woman started attacking her, per the Tampa Bay Times. People appreciated the inmates for helping the deputy and were glad that she was okay.
Sharon Anderson wrote, "Good to know that the Deputy is ok. The quick reaction of the inmates assisting the Deputy and the quick response of the Deputies saved her life. Although the pod is designed via direct supervision, it is one of the few drawbacks of that type of supervision." Katya Leoni commented, "I really hope that she is doing well and is in recovery after going to treatment for the year she went and I'm also glad that this deputy was saved from these two inmates." Matt Cravens remarked, "Clearly, these two are right where they belong, as they have further proven with this atrocious behavior. The other inmates should be applauded and commended from every corner for their outstanding response."
Mark Chamberlain shared, "Nice job, ladies! Direct proof that Direct Supervision is the best way to operate a jail system. Establishing a professional, respectful rapport with inmates pays dividends." Mark Adams expressed, "This goes to show that not all inmates are bad people; they just did a bad thing. But they won't sit around and watch an innocent person be murked. Thank you to all the inmates who are still holding on to your humanity." Serena Paone pointed out, "Not all inmates are bad people. It’s great that they stepped in and helped. So scary."