When Deputy Cascioppo and the nurse were walking by a particular cell, one of the two inmates inside got the attention of the deputy.  The inmate asked if the deputy could pass a food tray to the inmates in the cell next door.  When Deputy Cascioppo opened the cell door to oblige, the two inmates rushed out and began assaulting him without provocation.  Deputy Cascioppo was punched and kicked multiple times in the torso and head area.  As he defended himself, the two inmates pulled him into their cell and continued their violent assault until responding deputies were able to stop the attack and take both inmates into custody.  Deputy Cascioppo was able to walk out of the cell on his own but suffered multiple injuries to his head and torso.

Deputy Cascioppo was transported to a local hospital and was released later that night.  When spoken to today, his one concern was for the well-being of the nurse.  He wanted to make certain the nurse had not been injured.  The nurse was able to flee and was not assaulted. 

 Deputy M. Cascioppo

Detectives with the Sheriff's Detentions Investigation Unit are conducting the investigation.  The identity of the two inmates is being withheld at this time.

Contact: Lt. Ricardo Lopez

Media Relations Director

mediarelations@sdsheriff.org