It started with yelling echoing through a cell block — and ended with one inmate bleeding and another headed for lockdown.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to an assault inside the B2 cell block after corrections staff heard inmates shouting and called for assistance.
When deputies arrived at the entrance, they could hear inmates arguing inside. A corrections officer entered the block while a deputy stood by the door. One inmate was seen in a fighting stance, telling another to “hit,” while the second inmate remained near his bunk, shouting back.
Moments later, deputies observed the first inmate holding his jumpsuit to his face, attempting to stop blood from his nose. He told staff he had been struck several times and said he wanted to press charges.
Both inmates were separated and escorted to booking.
The accused inmate, Rife, told deputies he struck the other inmate because he claimed the man had been yelling, threatening to cause a riot, and creating a disturbance. Rife said the situation triggered his anxiety and that he acted in self-defense.
The injured inmate told deputies he was on the phone with his wife when he was hit multiple times in the nose and mouth. He again stated he wished to pursue charges.
Corrections staff photographed the injuries, which appeared to include a bloody nose, and also documented photos of Rife’s hands. Both inmates provided written statements. Other inmates housed in the block were offered the opportunity to give statements, though two declined and said they did not witness the incident.
Administration was notified, and jail leadership instructed deputies to file charges.
Rife was placed in a holding cell on lockdown pending review and was charged with assault. The injured inmate declined further medical evaluation and was returned to the cell block. Medical staff were notified, and all documentation and photos were attached to the incident report.
What began as loud words inside the block quickly turned physical — another reminder that tensions behind bars can flare fast, and when they do, deputies step in just as quickly.
