SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns just before 7:30p.m. Monday after an inmate identified as 21-year-old James Edward Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.
The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod. Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.
Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years, remains hospitalized but is expected to fully recover.
Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.
Following the attack, a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer has been added to Chavez’s current charges. Sheriff’s detectives are continuing the investigation and will present their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.
Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles. The Sheriff’s Office is now reviewing that policy.
“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said. “We are in close contact with the deputy and his family, and we are praying for his speedy recovery. This type of violence will not be tolerated.”