On December 6th, Sergeant Russell Jones suffered a fatal heart attack after being assaulted by an inmate. The inmate was combative, and Sergeant Jones and another officer entered the cell. The inmate punched Sergeant Jones in the mouth and chest. After a brief altercation, the inmate was secured, and Sergeant Jones and the other officer exited the cell.

Sergeant Jones indicated he was hot and needed “some air”, and walked outside to his car. He opened the car door, and immediately collapsed in the parking lot. Life-saving measures were attempted by staff, but Sergeant Jones was unable to be resuscitated.

Detention Sergeant Russell Jones served the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office for 4 years.