Jailhouse attack by handcuffed client sends public defender to hospital
A Chicago public defender was taken to a hospital Wednesday after being attacked from behind by a handcuffed client at the Cook County jail and rendered unconscious.
Officials said attorney Richard Kruss, 49, was cut on the back of his neck or head but did not appear to have suffered life-threatening injuries. Alert and talking as he was taken to the hospital, Kruss was attacked as he and another public defender were finishing up a meeting with Jimmie Terrell Smith, 39, at about 2 p.m., according to the Chicago Tribune and WBBM. Nearby correctional officers immediately restrained Smith and called an ambulance.
Smith had his hands cuffed in front of him during the meeting and had previously been charged with possessing a contraband weapon while jailed, the newspaper says.
Cook County sheriff’s deputies say they found a homemade knife fashioned from an asthma pump on Smith after the attack, but it isn’t clear that the weapon was used against Kruss, WBBM reports.
Previously convicted of attempted murder and paroled after serving 10 years, Smith has been jailed for five years awaiting trial on attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault charges involving multiple alleged victims. He has pleaded not guilty.
First Assistant Public Defender Patrick Reardon told WBBM this was the second time Kruss was attacked by a client. The first occurred 11 years ago.
The Cook County sheriff’s department is investigating the Wednesday attack on Kruss and expects to file new charges against Smith.
