This article was written by BenitoLink intern Brea Spencer. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
An inmate at the San Benito County Jail attacked correctional staff during a cell change on Sept. 8, according to a Facebook post from the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department.
Several correctional staff sustained injuries including concussions, broken bones and lacerations, according to the post, adding that their condition is being “closely monitored.”
Saitia Faaifo, a 36-year old resident of Santa Clara County, had been arrested a day earlier after he allegedly stole a vehicle, attempted to evade the police and resisted arrest.
The Sheriff’s Department said that Faaifo was being held at Hazel Hawkins Hospital on a 72-hour 5150 Welfare and Institutions Code hold, which is used for individuals who law enforcement believe are experiencing a mental health issue or are at risk of self-harm, when he escaped and then carjacked an occupied vehicle.
The Facebook post said upon arrest, Faaifo was again placed on a 5150 hold where he requested to be in a safety cell after threatening self-harm.
It adds Faaifo assaulted correctional officers when he was being transferred between cells.
“As correctional officers attempted to move him into a safety cell for the protection of staff and the suspect, Mr. Faaifo suddenly charged correctional staff as they were backing out,” the post states. “Despite being tased twice, he remained combative.”
According to the post, officers used a WRAP restraint to get Faaifo “under control” and that he is continuing to receive mental health treatment while in custody.
Jail Commander Thomas Corral said Faaifo is no longer in a 5150 hold, as of Sept. 12.
Faaifo currently faces five charges, including three felony counts, which have been amended to include his alleged attacks after his detainment on Sept 8. His arraignment date is set for Sept. 25.
It’s not the first time Faaifo has been jailed in San Benito County. In 2023, he was charged with falsely reporting a crime and calling the 911 emergency line with the intent to annoy. Faaifo pled not guilty, and was sentenced to participate in 12 anger management classes.
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