Friday, September 11, 2009
Deputy dies following fight with Highlands inmate
Deputy dies following fight with Highlands inmate
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Published: September 10, 2009
FROSTPROOF - A nearly 20-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office died Tuesday from injuries he suffered in a fight with an inmate being held for a Highlands County murder.
Sgt. Ronnie Oneal Brown, 48, was initially injured on Aug. 30 during a scuffle with inmate Terrence Barnett, 28, that started after the prisoner became unruly and broke the sprinkler head in his cell, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Barnett reportedly demanded to be moved from his cell in the south county jail to one in the central county jail. When deputies did not comply, he became more violent and then broke the sprinkler, which caused the cell to fill with water.
Several jail deputies, including Brown, went in to the cell to get Barnett out. The prisoner allegedly shoved the sergeant against the wall, causing him to land on the floor on his back.
Other deputies got Brown out of the cell while Barnett was taken into custody after a chemical agent was used to subdue him, a sheriff's office press release stated.
Brown was taken to Lake Wales Hospital in the early morning hours of Aug. 31 to be treated. He was released, but by the next afternoon, the injuries were so severe that he could not move and was taken to Winter Haven Hospital.
Back surgery was performed on Sept. 2 to repair broken vertebrae, according to Donna Wood, public information officer for the PCSO. Brown died in his hospital bed six days later. The autopsy results are not yet complete.
In a career that spanned almost 20 years, Brown was recognized for his professionalism, attention to detail and work ethic. In 2007, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for performing life saving efforts on an inmate who had stopped breathing, according to the sheriff's office.
"Sgt. Brown was a dedicated man who was respected by his supervisors and admired by his peers," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "Our prayers are with Ronnie's wife and family.
Brown is survived by his wife Tina, a detention deputy in Bartow's inmate booking area, and a teenaged daughter.
Barnett was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief, depriving an officer of means of protection, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and three counts of resisting an officer with violence.
Investigators are now in the middle of an ongoing homicide investigation because of Brown's death.
Barnett pleaded no contest June 12 to a charge of second-degree murder for his role in the 2007 murder of Highlands County resident Bryan "Red" Fanning. The agreement called for him to serve 30 years in Florida State Prison.
Since then, he has filed a motion to withdraw from the plea by claiming inefficient counsel.
These new charges against Barnett, as well as any others that might be brought against him following the outcome of the Polk County investigation, will have no bearing on his motion to withdraw, according to Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin.
"I don't think he has any legitimate grounds to withdraw his plea," Houchin said.
A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1 in Bartow before Judge J. Michael Hunter in reference to Barnett's motion.
Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com
