Eugene, OR. — A Lane County Sheriff’s deputy was violently attacked during a routine wellness check inside the county jail on Sunday night, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Around 9:30 p.m. on November 9, the deputy was conducting standard security rounds when he noticed 22-year-old Keviontae Damarion Burns, an adult in custody from Eugene, appearing unresponsive in his cell. Concerned for Burns’ wellbeing, the deputy entered the cell to confirm he was breathing.
Burns suddenly sprang up and launched a violent assault, choking the deputy while punching him and slamming his head into the cell door. The attack caused injuries to the deputy, who required treatment but has since recovered and returned to duty.
Burns, already lodged on multiple Eugene Municipal Court charges, was arrested again within the jail on new charges connected to the assault. The Lane County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges of Assault in the Second Degree, Strangulation, and Assault on a Public Safety Officer.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that the rapid response of additional staff helped bring the situation under control and ensure no further injuries occurred.
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