Tiffini Theisen
Orlando Sentinel
TAMPA, Fla. — An inmate attacked a deputy Tuesday morning at the Hillsborough County jail after the officer pushed him away from a door he tried to walk through, the sheriff’s office said Wednesday.
Michler Gabriel, 38, faces felony charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and battery by a detained person.
Surveillance video the sheriff’s office released Wednesday morning shows the deputy walking Gabriel, clad in an orange jail garb, to a door at the Orient Road facility.
As the officer opens the door, the inmate quickly tries to walk through and the officer pushes him back.
The inmate immediately punches the deputy’s face with both fists, then beats him on the chest and back, the video shows.
Within 5 seconds of the beginning of the attack, another detention deputy reaches Gabriel to help subdue and restrain him, the video shows.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3464650923576126
Gabriel was previously arrested on charges for driving with a suspended license, possession of a controlled substance, armed trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.
“This is a prime example of the dangerous environment deputies willingly go into everday in order to keep violent people like Michler Gabriel off of our streets. I will not tolerate anyone who would have such a lack of respect for another human being, especially for someone who selflessly serves the citizens of Hillsborough County. while I am thankful that the deputy involved was seriously hurt, we will make sure that Gabriel is prosecuted to the fullest extent for his actions,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.