INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: A sheriff's deputy was strangled to death by the chains of the handcuffs of an inmate in Indianapolis. According to the news release provided by the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy John Durm was returning the prisoner from a medical appointment on Monday morning, July 10, when he was unfortunately attacked. The 61-year-old man died after he was rushed to a nearby medical facility.
A probable cause affidavit from an IMPD detective obtained by CNN reported that the attack on the deputy was captured on video. Authorities have identified the inmate as Orlando Mitchell but it is not known if the accused has any legal representation.
Who was John Durm?
Authorities said that Marion County Deputy John Durm was attacked and killed by an inmate named Orlando Mitchell during an escape attempt. The criminal is said to have assaulted Durm at the entry point to Indianapolis' Adult Detention Center when the deputy was transporting Mitchell back to jail after a medical appointment on Monday.
Durm can be seen getting out of the sheriff’s office jail transport van after he arrived back at the jail in the vehicle and walked towards the rear door to open it, according to the affidavit. The documents state that Durm opened an inner door to the van while he held a milk crate when the inmate stepped out.
Mitchell can be seen in the clip stepping behind the deputy and keeping his hands around Durm’s neck before using “the chain linking his handcuffs to choke” the officer, according to the affidavit. The two immediately fell to the ground in a struggle and Mitchell allegedly continued to strangle the deputy until “Durm quits moving,” the affidavit says.
The inmate then found the handcuff key, removed his handcuffs, and escaped after he sped off in the jail van before crashing it into a wooden light pole. The Monday police news release said the authorities with the metro police department took the suspect into custody there. Police added that at least one deputy received minor injuries during the arrest and was treated at the scene.
The department later revealed that they are devastated by Durm's death, saying he “dedicated an incredible 38 years of his life to serving and protecting our community.” “During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Durm’s family, friends, and colleagues,” the police department said. “Rest easy Deputy Durm. We’ll take it from here.”
Deputy Durm’s son pays tribute to his father
Deputy Durm’s son, Johnny, also disclosed the tragic incident in a Facebook post. He showed his last text to his father in the post in which he shared a picture of a framed jersey and shorts he received from former Pacers player Reggie Miller as a birthday present when he was a child. He said that his father worked courtside at the fieldhouse and knew Miller. “I want everyone that can be there to come and honor the hero that was my dad,” Johnny said while thanking Gainbridge Fieldhouse for their support. He urged anyone attending the funeral to arrive at the fieldhouse 1-2 hours early, noting the funeral will be a big event.
