Harford County Detention Center inmate charged with trying to kill correctional officer

On Monday, Maryland’s Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced that one of their Correctional Deputies was severely assaulted by an inmate at the Harford County Detention Center.  The violent and unprovoked attack went down on Sunday, November 20. The officer is recovering, and the inmate has been charged with assault and attempted murder.

On November 20 at approximately 8:00 p.m., Corporal Michael Vesek was supervising 38-year-old inmate Matthew Tingler, while Tingler placed a phone call. During the call, Tingler became agitated and turned to Corporal Vesek, striking him in the face with the phone receiver multiple times. After knocking Vesek to the floor, Tingler continued his unprovoked assault.

The inmate continued to beat Vesek with the telephone.  Tingler then grabbed a portable radio and using that as a weapon continually struck the officer in the face and head. Tingler then wrapped the phone cord around the semi-conscious Corporal’s neck and attempted to manually strangle Corporal Vesek with his hands.  ~ HCSO

After hearing the commotion, deputies responded to help the injured officer and gained control of Tingler.  Medics transported Corporal Vesek to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment for what the Sheriff’s Office described as serious injuries. He was released on Monday and will continue his recovery at home.

Corporal Vesek is a 24-year veteran of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the Detention Center to assume the investigation.

Tingler has been charged with:

• attempted 2nd degree murder,
• 1st degree assault on a Harford County Detention Center Employee,
• two counts of 2nd degree assault,
• 2nd degree assault on a Harford County Detention Center Employee, and
• reckless endangerment.
  
  
  

Tingler has been being detained at the Harford County Detention Center since November 15.  He was being held without bond for charges including, failure to appear – Robbery, 2nd degree assault, theft, burglary, motor vehicle unlawful taking, and rogue and vagabond.

The Sheriff’s Office said that no further details are being released at this time.

(Source and Matthew Tingler booking photo: HCSO)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter