A prisoner at an Oklahoma corrections facility displayed an act of kindness and humanity when he stepped in to protect a detention officer who was being attacked by another inmate.
The incident was captured on the Payne County Jail’s surveillance cameras on Aug. 8. Video shows officer Matthew Hudson opening a cell to allow 24-year-old Tashka Robert Frank Maret to go to the washroom.
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Without warning, Maret punches Hudson in the face, sending Hudson staggering backwards. Maret continues his assault, punching the officer again before throwing Hudson to the floor.
Hudson is seen using his radio to call for back-up, but there is no immediate response.
The two men eventually were recorded getting back to their feet and exchanging more punches before Hudson receives some assistance – but from an unexpected source.
The Stillwater News Press reports Robert Charles Hammock, an inmate who was sitting on a nearby bench waiting to be released from the institution, stepped in and grabbed Maret in a bear hug. Video shows Hammock helping Hudson to subdue Maret, pinning him to the ground just before other officers arrive to assist.
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Captain Kevin Woodward of the Payne County Sheriff’s Office told KOCO that recent budget cuts resulted in reduced staff.
Woodward admitted cuts may have contributed to a slower response time by other officers.
“It does make it a little more dangerous for the people,” he said.
Maret, who was originally arrested on public intoxication and larceny charges, now faces another five years in jail for assault and battery of a police officer.