Deputies recover after separate attacks

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Erie County Sheriff’s Office says two inmates are facing charges after two separate attacks at the jail. The first incident happened late Thursday night, the second happened Friday morning.

The sheriff’s office says at 11 p.m. Thursday, 22-year-old Lakita Hawkins was causing problems with other inmates and was reassigned to another housing until to avoid further incidents. Two deputies were escorting Hawkins to her new unit when she allegedly dropped her property and attacked a deputy from behind.

The other escort tried to stop Hawkins and couldn’t control her, so an “officer down” emergency call went out, and additional deputies responded to help. Hawkins was restrained and the sheriff’s office says she did not suffer any injuries. Both deputies were treated at ECMC with head, neck and back injuries. Hawkins is facing felony second-degree assault and harassment charges.

Less than 12 hours later,  inmate 20-year-old Devan Hunley allegedly attacked a deputy. The sheriff’s office says he was being escorted by a deputy to a housing unit when he allegedly pushed the deputy and started unlocking a secondary fire door. The deputy’s head and face slammed into a fire door. The deputy activated his emergency body alarm and deputies responded to help.

Hunley allegedly fought with responding deputies, and was restrained after a brief struggle. He was not injured in the incident, but two deputies were taken to ECMC with head, leg and hand injuries. Criminal charges will be filed against Hunley, once the extent of the deputies’ injuries are known.