Inmate accused of attacking guard during escape attempt

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ)- Corrections Officer Sergeant Debra Pennington of the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center was attacked Monday trying to stop an inmate from escaping, according to jail officials.

BSRDC says inmate Shelley Ferguson was receiving treatment at a hospital in Pikeville when she attacked Sgt. Pennington trying to escape custody.

Investigators believe the attack was predetermined after they say surgical tape and a plastic knife were found in Ferguson’s bed.

BSRDC says Ferguson had been returned to her bed after using the restroom and was in the process of having her restraints put back on when she tried to wrap tape around Sgt. Pennington’s face and mouth. During the attack, Sgt. Pennington was punched in the head and bitten by Ferguson.

Officials say Sgt. Pennington was taken to the ER where she was treated and released. Ferguson was released from the hospital and taken back to BSRDC.

BSRDC says that after being finger printed, they found out Ferguson had been known by several other names. Those names revealed drug trafficking charges and alcohol intoxication.

Ferguson is waiting for an extradition hearing and is being held on $50,000 cash bond.