CLEARFIELD – Charges are currently pending against a 42-year-old Clearfield inmate who attempted to escape from the county jail Monday night, Lawrence Township police say.
The call came in for the “psychological disturbance/attempted escape” at 9:10 p.m., according to a news release issued by the department.
The inmate allegedly hid inside the jail, took a corrections officer hostage and attempted to force other COs to open exterior doors for him to escape.
The first CO was let go after the inmate was granted access to the garage area; when he was unable to get out, he reportedly attempted to break the exterior door and smashed its window.
After having broken his arm, the inmate attempted to climb into air vents and into the garage’s ceiling to escape but was unable to. At this point, the inmate attempted to harm himself, police say.
Upon arrival, the inmate refused officer commands and was incapacitated with an electronic stun device. He was subsequently taken into custody and to Penn Highlands Clearfield for treatment.
Lawrence Township police officers were assisted by the Clearfield Borough police.
