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SALT LAKE CITY — An inmate at the Utah State Prison in Salt Lake City is facing new charges after authorities say he attacked a corrections officer.
Patrick Jared Gibb, 36, was charged Monday in 3rd District Court with aggravated assault targeting law enforcement, a first-degree felony.
On Jan. 23, an officer working in the dayroom at the prison, at 1480 N. 8000 West, was approached by Gibb who "began speaking to him in an aggressive, derogatory manner and spit on him," according to charging documents.
The officer called for backup. Gibb then walked around the officer's desk, punched him in the face, placed the officer in a chokehold "and continued to make derogatory (remarks) and threatening statements including, 'take your last breath,'" the charges state.
Gibb then head-butted the officer and continued to strike the right side of his face with his fist, police said. The officer suffered a broken nose and cheekbone, according to the charges.
In 2019, Gibb was arrested three times in 10 days. During that time, his mother told law enforcers that her son "has mental health issues and is a danger to himself and others. She requested that I take him into custody so Gibb does not hurt anyone and so Gibb can get help," according to a police booking affidavit.
Between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, at least three corrections officers were attacked in separate incidents at the new Utah State Correctional Facility. Two inmates were charged in March for their alleged roles.
The attacks caught the attention of Utah lawmakers who pledged to find ways to help in February.
