MANSFIELD – A Richland County Jail corrections officer is still on leave after an incident with an inmate on Nov. 9, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Officer Steve McDonnell, 31, was assaulted by inmate David Baker, 34, on Nov. 9 without any provocation, according to an incident report filed by McDonnell.
As a result, Baker has been charged with failure to comply with orders from a police officer, a third-degree felony, and assault on a corrections officer, a fifth-degree felony. His combined cash and personal recognizance bond has been set at $25,000.
Capt. Chris Blunk, administrator at the Richland County Jail, said McDonnell is still on leave due to injuries sustained during the incident. McDonnell was originally hired at the Richland County Jail in December 2013.
According to the incident report authored by McDonnell, he was inside a dormitory at the jail helping to pass out medication when he was approached by Baker, who threw an unknown liquid in McDonnell’s face. Baker then began striking McDonnell in the head with a closed fist.
According to video of the incident, Baker first went to the bathroom to fill his cup with water before walking up to McDonnell and throwing water in his face, then punching McDonnell’s face and head. McDonnell struggled with Baker and eventually forced Baker to the ground and attempted to restrain him. But Baker continued to fight back, striking McDonnell between 10 and 15 times.
With the help of several other inmates, McDonnell was able to deploy his taser, hitting Baker in the chest, and apply handcuffs. Additional officers then arrived and removed Baker to the booking area to be evaluated by jail medical staff. After the altercation, McDonnell was taken to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital for treatment for the injuries sustained by Baker’s attack.
