Library Book Limit Leads Murder Defendant To Attack Guard At Lake County Jail: Cops

WAUKEGAN, IL — A man awaiting trial for murder has been charged with several additional felony charges over an attack on one of his jailers earlier this month, authorities said.

Raymond Smith, of Zion, is being held at Lake County Jail on charges of first-degree murder in connection with a 2018 homicide.

Smith, 46, is accused of assaulting a correctional officer during routine rounds at the jail on Jan. 3, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

“Correctional officers perform one of the most challenging and underappreciated jobs in law enforcement, often facing unpredictable and dangerous situations," Sheriff John Idleburg said in a statement.

Authorities said the incident began when the officer noticed Smith had more library books than he was allowed to possess.

When the officer informed Smith he could only keep five books, Smith reportedly became enraged.

The officer called for backup after stepping out of the cell, but Smith allegedly lunged at him, striking him in the face multiple times with closed fists and attempting to choke him, according to a spokesperson for the sheriff's office.

The guard managed to force Smith back into his cell using pepper spray.

During the fight, the officer suffered cuts and bruises and was transported to a hospital for treatment. He returned to work the following day.

"This incident highlights the very real risks they encounter every day to maintain order and safety within the jail," Idleburg said. "While the injuries our correctional officer sustained were serious, we are very grateful they were not worse, and I commend him for his strength and resilience in returning to work the day after the attack.”

Smith has been charged with three counts of aggravated battery to a correctional officer, resisting a correctional officer causing injury, and resisting a correctional employee.

He appeared in court Friday morning and was ordered to remain in custody.

Smith is awaiting trial on charges stemming from the Aug. 29, 2018, slaying of 33-year-old Michael Williams in Zion.

Authorities allege Smith fatally shot Williams, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 2500 block of Hebron Avenue.

Williams, an acquaintance of Smith's and resident of Kenosha, was pronounced dead at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, leaving behind a wife and four young children.

Court records show Smith's murder trial tentatively scheduled for October 2023 was stricken from the call.

No information was immediately available from a spokesperson for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office as to why he has yet to stand trial.

The next status hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 11.