KINGMAN, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities say a detention officer at a Mohave County jail escaped serious injury after being struck by a suspect.
The Mohave County Sheriff's Office reported Monday that 56-year-old Gregg Alan Maclaren was being processed by medical staff Friday when deputies say he became belligerent with nurses.
Detention officers tried to handcuff him but he allegedly grabbed a pen and lunged toward an officer.
Authorities say an officer forced the pen out of Maclaren's gasp before the suspect struck an officer in the jaw and cheek with his elbow.
Maclaren was put into a holding cell and booked on suspicion of aggravated assault on an officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Sheriff's officials did not say why Maclaren was initially in custody.
