OCALA: On Saturday, May 20, 2006, Officer Vicki Christman was punched in the face by inmate Terry Clark. The impact was so hard CO Christman temporarily lost her vision. She was transported to MRMC, checked by medical personnel and released.
At approximately 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, inmate Clark threw water on another inmate. When officers entered the section, Clark was found standing in the shower, fully clothed. He was asked to step out to an open area so the situation could be investigated. Clark began to act aggressively and he was instructed to turn around so hand cuffs could be applied for safety. Officer Christman was able to get one cuff on when Clark turned around and punched her in the face. Clark was also trying to hit Officer Roy Johnson who was able to deflect the punches.
Clark was restrained, taken to medical for a cut on his head and cleared for placement in an administrative confinement section until a complete internal investigation could be conducted.
This is the 19th inmate on officer battery for 2006. In 2004, there were 43 batteries and in 2005, there were 71 batteries. Jail staff regularly receives safety training, but as evidenced by this instance, batteries do take place adding to the hazards of working in close proximity with numerous individuals.
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