Detention Center Co. Jail On Lockdown After Officer Attacked

LAS CRUCES — The Dona Ana County Detention Centerwas put underlockdown on Tuesdayfollowing an attack by an inmate on a detention officer.

Officer Johnny Barrientoswas treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the medical unit at the lockupbefore an ambulance took him to a Las Cruces hospital as a precautionary measure.

The attack occurred in a maximum-security area of the facility while the inmate was being given his lunch tray. The weapon appears to be a crudely fashioned shank.

The inmate, Donald Taylor, 27, of Rogers, N.M., struck the officer at least twice in the head before being subdued by other Doa Ana County Detention Center staff. Taylor is a federal inmate being held at the Doa Ana County Detention Center under a contract with the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

He was booked into the facility on Aug. 20,of this yearon multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit homicide, felony in possession of a weapon and ammunition, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamines, carrying a firearm during a violent felony, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of stolen firearms. He is being held without bond.

Taylor is being held in the maximum-security portion of the facility for his own protection, as well as to keep him isolated from the general inmate population.

Taylor will likely face additional felony charges related the attack on the Doa Ana County Detention Center officer.

Detention Center officials said the lockdown order was lifted around 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.