WAXAHACHIE, Texas — A detention officer at a Texas prison died after being physically attacked by an inmate while taking the man to his cell, authorities said Tuesday.
Isaiah Patrick Bias, 28, was attacked Monday afternoon at the Ellis County Jail in Waxahachie, south of Dallas. Sheriff Brad Norman said at a news conference Tuesday that Arron Semeion Thompson, 45, of nearby Ennis, has been charged with murder in Bias’ death.
“Most of the time, law enforcement and detention officers deal with good people having a bad day. Every now and then we deal with bad people,” Norman said. “I can honestly say that my staff has faced pure evil over the past day.”
Bias worked for the sheriff’s office for more than six years. Norman said he was a family-oriented person and well-liked by colleagues.
“He was one of the guys who came to help you when you needed help,” Norman said.
Officials said Thompson has been in jail since last month on charges of assault on a public servant, public intoxication and evading arrest.
Thompson’s bond in Bias’ death was set at $2 million. Jail records did not list an attorney for him.
Norman said the Texas Rangers will investigate.