COALINGA – Officials at Pleasant Valley Prison (PVSP) are investigating a staff assault that sent two correctional officers to local hospitals.
At 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, two correctional officers were escorting inmate Ismael Espinoza, 25, back to his cell when the inmate struck one of the officers in the face with his fist. The other officer immediately activated the alarm and began to assist in subduing the inmate when the inmate struck him in the face as well. After a struggle, the two officers were able to hold Espinoza down on the ground and place him in handcuffs.
Both officers were transported to outside hospitals for treatment and were released yesterday. One officer sustained an injury to his right eye causing blurred vision and the other suffered an injured wrist.
Inmate Espinoza did not sustain any injuries and has been transferred to another institution for placement in restricted housing. He will be charged with battery on a peace officer.
Espinoza was received by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from Orange County in October 2015 to serve a 17-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter with a deadly weapon and vandalism.
PVSP opened in 1994 and houses approximately 3,078 minimum-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates. The prison provides educational, medical and mental health services and employs 1,255 people.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 03, 2017 CONTACT: Katherine Cruz
(559) 935-4972
####