Staff Reports
Bartholomew County Corrections staff were able to get an agitated and aggressive inmate under control after a fight at about 6:30 p.m. inside the Bartholomew County Jail.
Bartholomew County Jail inmate Ezequiel J. Gomez, 24, of 1010 Kelli Drive-B, became very agitated and aggressive when correction’s staff asked him to move to another cell, said Sheriff Matt Myers.
When the officers explained why this was being done, a fight ensued and, at one point, Gomez was able to take possession of a one of the officer’s electronic stun gun, Myers said. The struggle continued for several minutes until other correction officers arrived and Gomez was taken into custody.
Surveillance video from the jail shows Gomez in possession of the stun device and also shows that Gomez appears to be grabbing at an empty firearm holster during the altercation, Myers said.
Gomez was being held in the Bartholomew County Jail on a Harden County, Kentucky warrant for violation of probation (original charges: receiving stolen property and resisting law enforcement), deputies said.
Gomez was not injured and has since been transferred to another facility, Myers said.
Corrections staff are completing reports that will be sent to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office for possible charges, Myers said.
Jail Commander Maj. John Martoccia commended his staff for their professionalism during the altercation. One corrections officer had minor injuries, but was treated and released.
Myers said he was very concerned about the photos which show Gomez reaching for an empty holster, saying that is why firearms are not allowed in the jail.
Myers commended the corrections staff for their professionalism during the incident.
“I want people to know that our corrections staff go above and beyond on a daily basis,” he said. “These jobs are hard and our CO’s are certainly “unsung heroes” who don’t get the appreciation they deserve. I know their jobs are tough and I applaud their professionalism and how they handle themselves on a daily basis.”
