Yesterday Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Kady Jo Paxton, 21, with attempted murder in the first degree, attempted assault in the first degree, and unlawful possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner. The court set bail in the amount of $250,000.

“Our commitment to protecting the community includes protecting those who protect us,” said Prosecutor Lindquist. “Jail guards have a tough job. We’ve charged everything the evidence supports.”

Paxton was in the Pierce County Jail on a felony taking of a motor vehicle charge and other out of county warrants. According to reports, shortly after midnight, Paxton complained to a corrections deputy that her toilet was not working. The corrections deputy unlocked the door to Paxton’s cell and began walking her to the new cell, with Paxton walking in front.

On the way to the new cell, Paxton asked repeatedly what she had done wrong, and the deputy answered that Paxton was just being moved to a new cell with a working toilet. When they arrived at the new cell, Paxton took an offensive stance and raised her hands. The deputy approached Paxton to take her right arm, but Paxton pulled out a piece of pink, towel type material tied at the ends so it could be used as a ligature for strangulation. She held one end in each hand and approached the deputy, raising the material toward the deputy’s face. The deputy grabbed Paxton’s collar to prevent being harmed by Paxton.

In the ensuing struggle, the deputy was pushed up against the wall, knocking off her glasses and striking her head. Paxton pushed the deputy toward the nearby stairwell. At one point, the deputy was crouched down, and Paxton was on top of the deputy with her chest on the deputy’s head. Despite being bent over and having difficulty breathing, the deputy was able to radio for help.

The deputy was able to throw Paxton off balance, but Paxton grabbed the deputy’s radio cord and tried to pull the deputy down the stairs. The deputy was able to move toward Paxton and put Paxton’s hands behind her back. At that point, backup arrived to assist the deputy.

The deputy stated that she feared for her life during the incident. It was later determined that the toilet appears to be in working order. The towel used in the incident appears to have been made with loops at each end to enhance the ability to use it as a ligature.

Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.