Two officers hurt in jail altercation

TIFFIN — A Cincinnati man is facing felony charges after assaulting corrections officers while in custody at the Seneca County jail last week. Robert J. Sugden III, 18, was already being held on a domestic menacing charge, according to Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court records. The sheriff's department said that as Sugden was being moved to another location in the jail for not following directions and being disrespectful, he began assaulting a corrections officer. Lt. William Cunningham of the Seneca County Sheriff's Office said the inmate was handcuffed during the transfer, consistent with standard policy. Two officers were initially involved in the move, but Cunningham said three more stepped in once Sugden began resisting, bringing the total to five. One officer was transported to Mercy Health Tiffin Hospital and treated for injuries. Authorities said Sugden then assaulted another corrections officer while personnel continued to deal with him. That officer was also taken to the hospital. Both sustained minor injuries to the facial area and have since returned to active duty. Cunningham noted that Sugden has had no prior incidents of violence or disciplinary action while in custody. "Corrections officers serve a critical role in maintaining public safety and institutional security, making their safety a priority for the well-being of everyone in the facility," Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens said. "Having two of our officers sustaining injuries from the assaults is unacceptable, and the inmate will be facing two additional felony charges."