Baxter County inmate accused of attacking jailers in 2 separate incidents

Dominick Kersey (Photo courtesy of Baxter County Sheriff’s Office)

A Baxter County Detention Center inmate is facing additional charges following two separate incidents involving jailers last month. Twenty-year-old Dominick Kersey of Gamaliel was originally jailed on a bond of $1,100, but that amount has since been increased to $12,450.

Kersey is facing third-degree battery, first-degree criminal mischief and impairing the operation of a vital public facility from the first incident on Feb. 22. According to the incident report, a jailer was attempting to retrieve a cleaning cart from Kersey’s pod, but he claimed he wasn’t finished and still needed to use the mop. The jailer reportedly told Kersey he had the mop for more than enough time, but Kersey continued to refuse giving it back.

As the jailer went to retrieve the mop, Kersey allegedly grabbed the door in an attempt to shut it and trap the jailer in the pod. The jailer claims he removed Kersey’s arms in an attempt to let himself out, but Kersey started punching him. The jailer’s glasses reportedly fell off his face during the incident, and Kersey grabbed them and bent them in half. Kersey was reportedly out of his cell at that point, and another jailer came to assist placing him back in the pod.

Kersey’s charges for the next incident on Feb. 28 include second-degree battery on a police officer and impairing the operation of a vital public facility. According to the incident report, a jailer and two deputies responded to the report of a fight between another jailer and an inmate. The reporting jailer says she observed the jailer in the fight attempting to retrieve a flashlight, but Kersey was swinging it at his head. One of the deputies attempted to tase Kersey on his left side, but he allegedly continued to fight. The deputy continued to drive-stun Kersey until they were able to get his hands behind his back and in handcuffs.

Kersey was escorted back to his cell. When he entered, Kersey allegedly attempted to fight one of the deputies again. He was assisted to his stomach for the handcuffs to be removed, and he was advised if he moved, he would be tased again. Kersey reportedly said he understood, and the cuffs were removed without further incident.

The jailer originally in the fight stated he was dizzy due to Kersey connecting with his head while swinging the flashlight. Baxter Health was called to check on the jailer and his injuries.

Kersey has been in the Baxter County Detention Center since Feb. 4. His original charges include third-degree assault on a family or household member and third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

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