FL Inmate Attempts To Choke Detention Deputy With Pillow: Sheriff

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A 42-year-old Hillsborough County jail inmate is facing battery charges after being accused of choking a detention deputy with a pillow.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, just before 1 a.m. on June 7, inmate Bridgette Harvey told Deputy Lillian Jimenez that another inmate required her help. When Jimenez went to check on the inmate, April Colvin, 37, who was in the women's restroom, the sheriff said Harvey attacked the deputy from behind and placed a pillowcase around her neck in an attempt to choke her.

Jimenez called for the emergency response team on her radio, while several inmates came to her rescue, removing the pillowcase from around her neck and freeing her from Harvey's grip.

Harvey was secured in restraints and removed from the jail pod. She later told detectives that she planned the attack and also had a comb that she sharpened on both ends with her teeth that she was prepared to use.

Jimenez suffered minor injuries to her neck and throat.

"While these inmates put our deputy in danger, there were others who did the right thing by coming to her aid and, for that, I am grateful," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the quick response of our emergency response team and the inmates who showed compassion to help our deputy, a dire situation turned into the safe rescue of Deputy Jimenez. The assailant and her co-conspirator now face additional charges for assaulting her."

Harvey has been charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a weapon, introduction of contraband into a detention facility and two counts of escaping from confinement.

Colvin was also charged with escape from confinement.

Two other inmates were also removed from the pod, and all four inmates were moved into solitary confinement.