Press Release May 24, 2018

 

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – On May 23, the Florida Department of Corrections’ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) arrested Inmate Omar Bleechington (M19343) at Charlotte Correctional Institution for attacking a correctional officer. Inmate Bleechington has been charged with battery of a law enforcement officer.

Secretary Julie Jones said, “The Department stands behind this officer and the thousands of others in our facilities who work bravely every day despite the possibility of these difficult situations. I am thankful for the swift response by fellow staff to restrain the inmate and by our Office of the Inspector General and law enforcement partners to hold him accountable for his actions.”

Inmate Bleechington assaulted the officer Wednesday afternoon at approximately 1:25 p.m. Inmate Bleechington struck the officer in the face. Staff responded appropriately, and the inmate was subdued. The officer received treatment at an outside medical facility for injuries.

Following the arrest, Inmate Bleechington was transported to the Charlotte County Jail for booking. The OIG acknowledges the cooperation and assistance provided by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office in the 20th Judicial Circuit.

For more information regarding the Department’s Office of Inspector General, please visit www.dc.state.fl.us/orginfo/ig.html.

Click here to see the affadavit. The following exemptions apply to the redactions:

The home addresses, telephone numbers, including cellular and personal pager numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth, and photographs of active or former department employees and/or their spouses and children; places of employment; daycare facilities, and/or schools of active or former department employees’ spouses and children (sections 119.071 (4)(d), F.S. and 945.10(1)(e), F.S.

Information regarding a victim’s statement and identity. § 945.10(1)(f); 119.071(2)(j), F.S.