CORCORAN – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the attempted homicide of a peace officer at California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (SATF).
At around noon on Sunday, Jan. 6, officials believe inmate Jubenal Mendoza distracted staff while inmate Edwin Perez retrieved an inmate-manufactured weapon and then stabbed the officer several times. Staff responded by using two 40mm less-than-lethal rounds, physical force and expandable batons to stop the attack.
Perez, 31 and Mendoza, 27, were placed in restraints and housed in another institution. Inmate movement at the prison has been restricted to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment of wounds to his temple and neck, as well as to the front and back of his head. He has since been released and is recovering at home.
Perez was received by CDCR from Los Angeles County in 2017 to serve 55 years to life with the possibility of parole for carjacking with the use of a firearm and second-degree murder.
Mendoza was received from Madera County in 2017 to serve seven years for two counts of second-degree robbery and possession/manufacture of a deadly weapon by a prisoner, an offense committed while he was in the Madera County Department of Corrections.
Following Sunday’s attack, SATF’s Investigative Services Unit responded, set up a crime scene and initiated an investigation. The Office of the Inspector General was notified and CDCR’s Peer Support Program was activated. The program ensures CDCR employees involved in work-related critical incidents are provided with intervention and resources to cope with traumatic events.
SATF opened in Kings County in 1997 and houses Level II, III and IV inmates. The institution specializes in substance abuse treatment, houses more than 5,600 inmates and employs more than 2,000 people.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2019
CONTACT: Lt. Kevin Huffman
(559) 992-7154
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