Cleveland County Detention Center chief resigns after officer attack

John Bishop, the Chief of Detention at the Cleveland County Detention Center has resigned, Sheriff Chris Amason confirmed on Tuesday.

His resignation comes after an incident in which a detention officer was attacked by an inmate Monday afternoon.

According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Lydia Saunders was conducting routine site checks in a female segregation pod when the attack occurred. At the time, inmate Donna Lair was outside her cell during scheduled recreational time.

Cleveland County detention officer assaulted by inmate

Officer Saunders was taken to OU Medical Center’s trauma unit with a broken nose, cuts, and multiple contusions. She has since been released from the hospital. Lair, who is currently being held on three felony counts of assault and battery, now faces additional charges of aggravated assault and battery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Lair’s bond has been set at $5,000 for each charge.

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office has not yet commented on whether the resignation is directly linked to the attack.

Bishop's resignation letter said,

"I am submitting this memorandum to serve as my official notice of resignation from the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office. My resignation is effective immediately."