Veteran deputy and dad of 4 killed by inmate during escape attempt
An Indiana sheriff's office is mourning the loss of a veteran deputy who was attacked and killed by an inmate during an escape attempt, authorities said.
Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy John Durm, 61, was transporting an inmate back to jail after a medical appointment on Monday when the inmate assaulted him at the entry point to Indianapolis' Adult Detention Center, according to the Indianapolis police.
The inmate, 34-year-old Orlando Mitchell, allegedly stole a transport van, drove alone out of the Criminal Justice Center Complex and then crashed, police said.
Mitchell was taken into custody at the scene of the crash and hospitalized in stable condition, police said.
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How Durm was attacked was not immediately released, but police called it "an intentional act of homicide."
Durm, a 38-year veteran of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, is survived by his wife, four children and his parents, police said.
It is with deep sadness that we must report that the Deputy initially involved in the altercation with an inmate has passed away from his injuries. Deputy John Durm faithfully served the people of Marion County as a Deputy Sheriff for almost four decades. pic.twitter.com/R4QkcUrsEC
— Marion County Sheriff's Office IN (@MCSO_IN) July 10, 2023
Durm's wife has also worked at the sheriff's department for decades, Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal told reporters.
"She knows it's dangerous," the sheriff said, "but still didn't expect, to think that would happen to her husband. So they're shocked."
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Durm has an extended family in law enforcement, including a son who is currently at the detention deputy academy, the sheriff said.
"I'm sure he went there today to follow in his father's footsteps," Forestal said. "He started today thinking he had a new career, and some other inmate ended his father's life."
**UPDATE**
The recreation of Deputy John Durm’s transport wagon has been relocated to the west side of the CJC turnaround. Community members are welcome to visit and pay their respects.
675 Justice Way
Indianapolis, IN 46203Thank you to all who have showed their support pic.twitter.com/XMI4d3ZQOX
— Marion County Sheriff's Office IN (@MCSO_IN) July 11, 2023
Mitchell will be arrested for murder once he is released from the hospital, police said.
Mitchell was in custody on murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend outside an Indianapolis day care last year, according to Indianapolis ABC affiliate WRTV.
Veteran deputy and dad of 4 killed by inmate during escape attempt originally appeared on abcnews.go.com