Lake County Inmate Attacks Officer Over Library Books

Raymond Smith, a 46-year-old inmate at Lake County Jail, faces multiple charges including three counts of aggravated battery after allegedly attacking a correctional officer on January 3. The incident occurred when the officer informed Smith that he had too many library books in his cell and needed to return some, prompting Smith to become enraged. He allegedly lunged at the officer, striking him multiple times and attempting to choke him, before the officer used pepper spray to escape. Despite suffering cuts and bruises, the officer was treated at a hospital and returned to work the next day. Smith, who is already held on homicide charges from a 2018 case, appeared in court on the new charges and was ordered to remain in custody. Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg emphasized the risks correctional officers face daily in maintaining order and safety within the jail.