Sheriff: Jail inmate tried to strangle corrections officer with garrote made from towel

TACOMA -- A corrections officer at the Pierce County Jail was attacked Wednesday night by an inmate who used a towel like a garrote to try to strangle her, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department confirmed Friday.

The department recommended to the prosecutor's office that the inmate be charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

The attack began when the inmate issued an emergency call of a plumbing issue inside her cell. When the officer responded, the inmate used a towel to try to strangle the officer from behind, the sheriff's department said. The 44-year-old corrections officer fought back and was able to break off the assault. She suffered "moderate injuries" and was treated at a hospital and released.

The inmate was in custody awaiting trial for motor vehicle theft.

“I’m grateful that our deputy was not more seriously injured,” said Sheriff Paul Pastor. “This in an example of the dangers our people face.”