An inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Frackville is facing assault charges after authorities say he attacked another prisoner with a combination lock inside a sock.
Marcelo Omar Monzon Figueroa is accused of assaulting another inmate on the morning of Nov. 19, according to an affidavit filed in District Court by State Police.
Investigators allege the assault occurred at 7:53 a.m. in the “television pit area” of Cell Block B, Wing A, within the prison’s Restricted Housing Unit.
Police say surveillance footage shows Monzon Figueroa sitting in a group while the victim inmate sat alone on a bench outside the pit area. The video allegedly depicts Monzon Figueroa standing up and approaching the victim with both hands in his pockets.
Troopers say Monzon Figueroa removed an improvised weapon from his right pocket and struck the other inmate in the back of the head three times.
When the victim stood up and attempted to flee, Monzon Figueroa pursued him and swung the weapon four more times before both men moved out of the camera’s frame, police say.
Prison staff recovered the weapon from Monzon Figueroa while escorting him from the scene. Police described the weapon as a silver Master combination lock inside a white sock.
According to a prison report cited in the complaint, the victim of Monzon Figueroa’s alleged attack suffered a 2-centimeter laceration and hematoma to the back of his head, as well as a 2-centimeter laceration on his left forearm.
Police took custody of the weapon on Nov. 26 and reviewed the surveillance footage on Dec. 1 before filing charges.
Monzon Figueroa has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, diorderly conduct, and harassment.
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 ...