An inmate at a state prison in Schuylkill County is facing charges after he allegedly attacked a staff member at the facility because he didn’t get the cell change he requested.
State Police say they were called to SCI-Frackville on Sept. 3 for a reported assault on a member of prison staff by an inmate. The victim of the assault, a female block unit manager, had already been taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pottsville for treatment of injuries she’d suffered in the alleged assault.
At the hospital, police say they spoke with the victim of the alleged assault who said that at about 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 3, inmate Tyron Lusane Jr. had requested a “cell agreement” that would allow him to switch cells with another inmate.
Lusane’s request was denied and he reportedly disagreed with the decision and became argumentative. The victim told police that she ordered himi to leave her office.
About 15 minutes later, Lusane returned to the victim’s office, came around her desk, charged her, and swung a makeshift weapon at her. The weapon, police say, was made from a combination lock attached to a laundry loop.
The victim told police she was able to block most of the strikes with her forearm but Lusane did land two hits with the lock to the her forehead. A staff member who shares an office with the victim reportedly witnessed the attack and called for prison staff to help detain Lusane.
Police say the victim suffered two lacerations to her scale and abrasions on her arm as a result of Lusane’s alleged attack.
Lusane has been charged with assault by prisoner on an employee and aggravated assault on a designated individual, both first-degree felonies, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, and a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, and summary offense of harassment.
According to court records, Lusane is incarcerated on previous charges of theft and illegal gun possession. He’s serving consecutive sentences of more than 500 days on one charge and 3-7 years on the gun charge.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...