PORT ANGELES — A Clallam County jail inmate has been charged with custodial assault after an alleged attack on a jailer.
Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Sanders was treated and released for minor injuries from Olympic Medical Center on Sunday after Charles A. Johnson allegedly assaulted him.
Johnson, 58, hit Sanders in the head with either his fist or palm when the officer was giving him a cup of water, said Jail Superintendent Ron Sukert.
They then engaged in a “physical struggle,” according to court documents.
Sanders received small scratches on his hands, neck and a “fairly significant scratch” above his left eye, according to Sukert and court documents.
Sanders finished his shift after returning from the hospital, Sukert said.
Three other deputies nearby helped Sanders restrain the inmate, Sukert said.
Johnson was in jail after being arrested on investigation of third-degree theft Jan. 19.
That same day, he allegedly threatened to bomb the Oak Street Center at 109 N. Oak St., which provides substance abuse and mental health services. The arrest occurred before the threat was reported.
No theft charges have been filed against him.
Sukert said no charges are going to be filed against him for the alleged bomb threat because a witness was being “uncooperative.”
He would have been released Monday if it weren’t for the assault, Sukert said.
The cell door was closed but not latched when Johnson attacked the deputy, Sukert said.
It was unlatched because Sanders had just given Johnson, who was in solitary confinement, a cup of water. Johnson allegedly attacked him after requesting a second serving.
The water had been turned off in his cell because he had been flooding his cell by plugging the toilet drain, according to court documents.
Sukert said jail staff placed Johnson in solitary confinement because he had destroyed or damaged jail property, including clothing, bedding and trays.
He said the jail didn’t require another deputy to assist Sanders because the inmate had not been violent toward anyone.
“That’s when we up the ante,” Sukert said.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
