Two inmates assaulted a correctional officer and attempted to escape from Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail last month, police said.
James City County Police charged Kendell Serrette, 43, of Newport News, and Raekwon Lamont Jones, 18, of Williamsburg, on Friday with malicious wounding, attempted escape, assaulting a correctional officer and conspiracy to assault a correctional officer in the Aug. 29 incident.
Serrette is accused of using a “shank” made from a toothbrush to attack a 45-year-old correctional officer during a security check. He grabbed the officer and held the shank to his throat, demanding his keys, the police report said.
The officer, who suffered minor injuries to his arm, defended himself against the attack until other correctional officers were able to come to his aid, police said.
An investigation found Serrette planned the attack with Jones, who had a handwritten map of the jail in his cell that officers found during a search.
Serrette is currently serving a two-year sentence for weapons charges, destruction of property and a probation violation. Jones is being detained as he awaits trial on sexual assault charges.
Both are being held at the jail without bond.