PHOENIX, AZ. (THECOUNT) — Gene Lee has been identified as the detention officer who was attacked by an inmate Wednesday, according to reports.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office announced late Wednesday night that Lee has passed away as a result of injuries he sustained in the attack. Daniel Davitt, 59, was later identified as the suspect in the brutai attack.
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In a statement, officials said Lee died surrounded by his family:
“Under these tragic circumstances and out of respect for the Lee family, MCSO will not be making any further statements tonight,” reports FOX35.
According to officials, the incident happened at Lower Buckeye Jail, with the officer suffering life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred as Lee was beginning his shift, with the suspect, since identified as Davitt, catching Lee off guard.
Davitt is accused of grabbing Lee by his throat.
Davitt allegedly swept Lee’s legs out from under him so aggressively, that when Lee was knocked off-balance and thrown to the floor, the first part of the body to strike the floor was his head.
Davitt has been in custody with the MCSO for the last two years on sexual abuse and indecent exposure charges.
In a news conference held prior to Lee’s death on Wednesday, doctors described Lee’s condition as “moment-by-moment”.
“The entire brain is affected by the pressure due to the blood from the injury, as well the swelling of the brain,” said Dr. Paul Dobrowski, Trauma Surgeon with Banner University Medical Center.
The jail is located at 3250 W Lower Buckeye Rd in Phoenix, AZ.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: Phoenix is the capital of the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona. Known for its year-round sun and warm temperatures, it anchors a sprawling, multi-city metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. It’s known for high-end spa resorts, Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses and vibrant nightclubs. Other highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden, displaying cacti and numerous native plants – wikipedia.