CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – A violent altercation at the Ross County Jail on December 28, has left one inmate with serious injuries. The incident, which took place at 28 N. Paint St., Chillicothe, involved an inmate on suicide watch who brutally attacked another inmate, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention.
According to the initial report, the assault involved inmate Eric Seckman, who allegedly attacked another inmate while they were both housed together on suicide watch in Holding Cell 05. A correctional officer, monitoring the inmates via video surveillance, noticed what appeared to be a physical fight. Upon entering the cell, the officer found the victim with a bleeding laceration under his left eye. Medical staff were called to assess the injuries, and the victim was subsequently transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
At the medical center, the victim, who appeared to be in significant pain, had an ice pack covering his left eye. The area around his eye was swollen, and discolored, and the laceration was still bleeding, the report stated. The victim reportedly said that he could not remember all the details of the incident but mentioned that he had requested to be moved to a holding cell by claiming he was suicidal. He did not personally know Seckman and was unsure why he was attacked. The victim recalled that Seckman accused him of talking about Seckman’s children, which led to the assault.
A doctor examining the victim revealed that the victim had a broken neck (C4 vertebra) and several broken bones on the left side of his face. Due to the severity of the injuries, the victim was transferred to Grant Trauma Center for further care.
Surveillance footage reviewed by the investigating officer showed the incident in detail. At approximately 2:00 PM, the victim was seen lying on his mattress while Seckman was lying on his own. Seckman got up, went to the door, and then returned to his mattress. Seckman allegedly approached and struck the victim in the face at least 12 times with a closed fist. The victim attempted to cover his face but was unsuccessful in preventing the blows.
Due to the extent of the injuries and the video evidence, charges for Felonious Assault were filed against Eric Seckman.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.