A 27-year-old Centralia man is expected to face new charges as a result of a Saturday night altercation in the Marion County Jail where he allegedly tried to escape from the jail cell.
Tyrance Pickens-Hill of Pleasant Avenue was arrested for two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer and attempted escape. He was already being held on two outstanding Marion County failure to appear in court warrants. The pending charges cited in the warrants are threatening a public official, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated battery, and aggravated domestic battery.
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps says a correctional officer had gone to the cell block to lock Pickens-Hill in his cell due to behavioral problems. When the officer attempted to step into the room, Pickens-Hill attempted to grab the taser out of his hand. A struggle ensued and the officer was punched in the head.
When a second correctional officer arrived to assist, all three became involved in a struggle where Pickens-Hill allegedly attempted to force his way out of the cell door. The second officer sustained a minor hand injury but did not require treatment.
After gaining control of Pickens-Hill, he was moved to a different cell. About an hour and a half later, correctional officers were called to that cell after the prisoner had reportedly flooded it. He was then moved to a third cell and is currently in isolation.
Cripps says the other inmates in the cell block stayed away from the altercation. It occurred around 7:50 Saturday night.
