2 inmates charged with attempted homicide after attacking correctional officer at Nashville jail

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two men are facing attempted homicide charges after an attack at a Nashville jail left a correctional officer injured and unconscious, officials said.

According to court documents, the incident took place on Thursday, July 18, at the Downtown Detention Center along James Robertson Parkway.

The victim was was reportedly working for the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and was supervising two inmates — identified as 22-year-old Sidney Easley and 25-year-old Tyshawn Garrett.

An arrest report states the inmates refused to re-enter their cells after they were told to do so by the officer. Instead of complying with orders, Easley hit the officer with his fists, officials said.

Both inmates were reportedly wearing handcuffs when the incident occurred. Authorities added that Easley hit the officer with his handcuffs, which caused a severe laceration to the officer’s head.

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When the officer fell down to the ground, that’s when Easley allegedly began stomping him in the head and neck area. Officials said Garrett also joined in on the assault once the officer was on the ground, hitting him with his handcuffs, fists, and spitting on the officer.

Deputies in the area area eventually restrained Easley and Garrett. Meanwhile, the deputy was knocked unconscious during the assault and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, according to an arrest report.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office identified the officer as Facility Officer Christopher Ashburn. Court documents revealed that Ashburn sustained a fractured skull in addition to a laceration to his head.

Easley and Garrett were both charged with attempted homicide for their roles in the attack. According to booking records, Garrett was in jail serving a six-year sentence for a carjacking charge.

Meanwhile, Easley was jailed on domestic charges and was serving a 40-day sentence, per records provided by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.

No other information about the incident was released.

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