The incident occurred in the medical center at Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
A Willow Grove woman incarcerated at Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Lower Providence Township has been charged with aggravated harassment by a prisoner by Montgomery County detectives for allegedly spitting in a guard’s face.
Zikia Imani Turner, 35, of the 2600 block of Lamott Avenue, Willow Grove, was charged Oct. 12 in the Sept. 6 incident.
Detectives said that on Sept. 6 at 9:06 a.m., Turner was in the women’s gym of the county jail with another inmate, identified as Jahme Barnes. Authorities allege Barnes hit Turner in the face with a closed fist, but Turner retreated and both inmates were separated.
Turner was escorted to the medical treatment center by two correctional officers, per the affidavit, where she was evaluated by a nurse.
One of the officers questioned Turner about the incident and photos were taken of injuries to her face, per the complaint. Turner told authorities there was an argument between two officers because Turner believed Barnes was a “rat.”
The two officers helped Turner to her feet, at which time a third officer came into the treatment center and approached Turner with a blanket. Police allege Turner immediately spit at the officer, hitting her in the face.
Turner was secured and returned to her cell after being cleared by the nurse, police said.
The victim was treated and released to full duty, police said.
Turner was given $5,077 cash bail, which includes a probation/parole detainer, per court records.
A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 12 at 10:45 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Cathleen Kelly Rebar.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
