FRACKVILLE — An inmate at SCI Frackville faces felony assault charges after Pennsylvania State Police allege he struck three corrections officers in the head with a rock during an August incident at the prison.
Charges Filed Against SCI Frackville Inmate
Cecil Tyrell Evans, 38, is charged with three counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment, along with one count of terroristic threats.
The three aggravated assault counts are graded as first-degree felonies. The simple assault and terroristic threats charges are misdemeanors, while the harassment counts are summary offenses.
Affidavit Details Incident at SCI Frackville
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the incident occurred on , after prison staff instructed Evans to complete his assigned employment duties.
A prison lieutenant told investigators that Evans became agitated, threatened to cave in a corrections counselor’s head while holding a rock and refused officers’ orders.
Prison staff then prepared to remove Evans from the enclosed exercise area where he remained. Police said two applications of pepper spray had little to no effect.
At approximately 9:33 a.m., an extraction team entered the area to detain Evans. According to the affidavit, Evans used a rock measuring approximately 6 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch as an improvised weapon.
Police allege Evans struck downward five times and hit three corrections officers in the head area.
Corrections Officers Evaluated for Injuries
All three officers avoided serious injury, according to the affidavit. They were assessed by nursing staff at the prison, and one officer received additional evaluation at Lehigh Valley Hospital-East for minor injuries.
The criminal complaint was filed on in the office of Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli, according to the court docket.
The charges are allegations. Evans is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.