Inmate Attacks Guard After Asked To Return Library Books: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Lake County Jail Inmate has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery to a correctional officer along with other charges, stemming from an attack on a correctional officer, authorities said last week.

Raymond L. Smith, 46, of the 2300 block of Gabriel Avenue, Zion, is accused of becoming enraged with a correctional officer who noted he had too many library books in his cell while doing rounds at the jail. The officer told Smith he could keep five books but needed to return the rest.

Smith clenched his fists and lunged at the officer, punching him in the face several times, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. He also tried to choke the officer.

The officer used pepper spray on the inmate.

Additional jail staff responded and transported Smith to the jail's maximum-security pod. The correctional officer sustained several contusions and lacerations.

He was taken to an area hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released, police said.

Additional personnel responded, and Smith was transported to the jail’s maximum-security pod.

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

He made an initial court appearance and was ordered to remain in custody.