An attempted homicide investigation is under way after an inmate allegedly attacked a correctional officer at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego County, California.
The assault took place shortly before 10am on Wednesday, 9 September, on a prison yard, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Staff members reportedly saw Jorge Villa, 30, attacking the officer and intervened using chemical agents and physical force. An improvised weapon was recovered at the scene.
The injured officer was taken to an outside medical facility for treatment. Officials have not disclosed the officer’s current condition.
Villa has been placed in restricted housing while the investigation continues. Authorities have not said what type of weapon was found or identified a possible motive for the alleged assault.
Villa entered the California prison system from Los Angeles County on 10 December 2024. Prison records show he is serving a nine-year sentence for the grossly negligent discharge of a firearm as a second-strike offender, first-degree burglary and corporal injury causing a traumatic condition.
The Richard J. Donovan facility’s Investigative Services Unit and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the case.
