Inmate Attacks Officer, Faces Attempted Murder Charges: Harford County Officials

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — An inmate has been charged with attempted murder after he assaulted a Harford County Sheriff's Office correctional deputy.

On Sunday at approximately 8 p.m., Corporal Michael Vesek was supervising inmate Matthew Tingler, 38, while Tingler made a phone call. During the call, Tingler became agitated and turned to Vesek, hitting him in the face with the phone receiver multiple times and knocking Vesek to the floor. Tingler continued to assault Vesek with the phone, then used Vesek's portable radio as a weapon, striking him in the face and head. Tingler then wrapped the phone cord around the semi-conscious corporal’s neck and attempted to manually strangle Vesek with his hands, according to the Harford County State's Attorney's Office.

When Vesek yelled for help, other deputies ran to him and gained control of Tingler. Medics took Vesek to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. He was released on Monday to continue recovering at home. Vesek is a 24-year veteran of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Tingler has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault on a Harford County Detention Center employee, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree assault on a Harford County Detention Center employee and reckless endangerment.

Tingler has been at the Harford County Detention Center since Nov. 15, 2022. He was being held without bond for charges including failure to appear – robbery, failure to appear second-degree assault, failure to appear theft, burglary, motor vehicle unlawful taking and rogue and vagabond.