HARFORD COUNTY, MD – A 24-year veteran Sheriff’s Office correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate at the Harford County Detention Center in Bel Air on Sunday.
Corporal Michael Vesek was supervising Matthew Tingler, 38, on Sunday at approximately 8:00 p.m. while the inmate as placing a phone call. Tingler became agitated during the call and hit Corporal Vesek multiple times with the phone receiver, causing him to fall to the ground. Using a phone and a portable radio, Tingler continued to assault Corporal Vesek unprovoked, repeatedly striking him in the head and face. Tingler then attempted to strangle Corporal Vesek by manually wrapping the phone cord around his neck.
In response to Corporal Vesek’s cries for help, deputies responded and gained control of Tingler.
Corporal Vesek was transported by medical personnel to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for treatment of his serious injuries. On Monday, he was released to continue his recovery at home.