Detention Deputy Injured by Inmate

On March 1, 2024, at approximately 0800 hours, an inmate physically attacked a deputy in Pod 17 of the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.  The deputy attempted to collect the inmate’s breakfast tray for it to be sent back to the kitchen to be washed.  While collecting the tray, the inmate walked out of his cell and into the dayroom of the pod.  The inmate was not authorized to be in the dayroom of the pod at that time and was directed to return to his cell.  The inmate became upset and struck the deputy with a closed first to the side of the face.

A physical altercation ensued.  At one point, the inmate attempted to drag the deputy inside of a cell.  The deputy was able to free himself and returned to his desk in the dayroom.  A response team arrived to assist the deputy.  It was determined by on-site medical professionals that the deputy had a significant wound to the face; therefore, the deputy was taken to a local area hospital for care.

The inmate, Joshua Ratcliff, 34-year-old male, has been in the custody of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since February 29, 2024, for a Parole violation.  The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit is investigating the incident and will present their findings to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal charges.

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