Idaho inmates may be charged in attack

LITTLEFIELD, Texas – Inmates from Idaho housed at a private West Texas facility could face new charges following an attack on a female guard.

The woman was attacked about 7:30 p.m. Monday after she apparently tried to take tobacco away from at least two of the inmates at the Bill Clayton Detention Center, Idaho Department of Correction spokesman Jeff Ray said. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries, he said.

Afterward, as many as 15 inmates refused to return to their cells and additional officers were called in to help, Ray said. The inmates then agreed to return to their cells, he said.

A deputy warden with the Idaho agency is on his way to Littlefield to investigate, a release from that department said.

Those involved in the attack could face charges, and inmates who refused to return to their cells will likely face disciplinary sanctions, the release said.