WAXAHACHIE, Texas — A tragic incident unfolded in a Texas jail, where a detention officer was fatally attacked by an inmate as he returned the prisoner to his cell after the daily hour of allowed outdoor time. This was reported by a local sheriff on Tuesday.
The victim, Isaiah Patrick Bias, 28, served at the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office for over six years. The assault occurred on Monday afternoon as he was putting Arron Semeion Thompson, a 45-year-old inmate from nearby Ennis, back in his cell at the county facility in Waxahachie, located south of Dallas. Sheriff Brad Norman announced during a news conference that Thompson is now facing a charge of capital murder in connection with Bias’ death.
Sheriff Norman expressed the profound emotional impact of the event, noting that typically detention officers and law enforcement interact with individuals who may be having a rough time, but occasionally, their work brings them face to face with individuals who exhibit true malice. “I can honestly say that my staff, over the last day, has dealt with pure evil,” he stated.
Bias was remembered as a dedicated family man who was well-regarded by his peers. “He was one of those guys who, if you needed help, he would come to your aid,” Sheriff Norman remarked.
Thompson had been incarcerated since the previous month due to charges including assault on a public servant, public intoxication, and evading arrest. His bond for the murder charge has been set at $2 million, and jail records do not indicate that he has secured legal representation. The investigation into the incident has been assigned to the Texas Rangers for further examination.