By C1 Staff
SALT LAKE CITY – An investigation into force used to break up an altercation between two inmates has been found appropriate, and corrections officers were cleared of involvement in an inmate’s death.
Deseret News reports that Christopher Lee Lucas entered Samuel Wise’s cell on Sept. 13, 2014 following an argument between the two; Wise attacked Lucas.
Correctional officers responded and used OC spray when Wise refused to heed commands to stop hitting Lucas. He repeatedly hit Lucas in the head and face; Lucas was reported to not be fighting back, and was in fact calling for help.
Officers moved to firing pepper balls into the cell after Wise continued beating Lucas.
After both men were restrained, Lucas complained of shortness of breath. Prison medical attended to him, but he lost consciousness and was transported to Lone Peak Hospital, where he died.
The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Lucas’ death was a homicide, but District Attorney Sam Gill said the officers used an appropriate amount of force to bring the incident under control.
“Because several factors contributed to Mr. Lucas’ death, and because corrections personnel employed lawful force and methods to break up the inmates’ fight and secure them, we conclude that Mr. Lucas did not die as a result of unlawful means used by corrections personnel. We also therefore conclude that no criminal prosecution against a corrections employee should be instituted,” he said.
Wise was charged with homicide by assault and assault by a prisoner.