Cleveland County detention officer assaulted by inmate

A detention officer at the Cleveland County Detention Center was assaulted by an inmate Monday afternoon, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said Officer Lydia Saunders was conducting routine site checks in a female segregation pod when the assault occurred. At the time, inmate Donna Lair was out of her cell during scheduled recreational time.

Saunders was taken to OU Medical Center’s trauma unit with a broken nose, cuts and multiple contusions, according to the sheriff’s office. She has since been released.

Lair is currently being held on three felony counts of assault and battery — one involving a medical provider and two others — each with a $5,000 bond. She now faces additional charges of aggravated assault and battery and assault with a dangerous weapon.

“We are thankful for the rapid response of our staff and that Detention Officer Saunders is recovering,” Sheriff Chris Amason said. “This office remains committed to her full support and to pursuing justice in this case.”

Authorities say the incident remains under investigation.