Investigation into sergeant’s death
FROSTPROOF (AP) – Authorities say a central Florida inmate is under investigation for the death of a detention sergeant who was pushed against a concrete wall and died after surgery.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says Sgt. Ronnie Brown died Tuesday after undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebrae.
Authorities say inmate Terrence Barnett broke a fire sprinkler, flooding his cell. When Brown entered the cell, Barnett battered and pushed the sergeant, who struck a concrete wall and fell to the floor.
Barnett has been charged with multiple counts of battery on an officer.
He has not yet been charged with Brown’s death, but officials believe he is responsible and are conducting a homicide investigation.