Courts.
Zikia Imani Turner, of the 2600 block of Lamott Avenue, Willow Grove, is set to be formally arraigned in county court April 2.
A Willow Grove woman charged in October with aggravated harassment by a prisoner for allegedly spitting in a guard’s face waived the charge to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court last week.
Zikia Imani Turner, 35, of the 2600 block of Lamott Avenue, Willow Grove, was charged Oct. 12 in the Sept. 6 incident and remains incarcerated at Montgomery County Correctional Facility in Lower Providence Township on $5,077 cash bail, which includes a probation/parole detainer, per court records.
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 is set to be formally arraigned in county court April 2.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
