Deputy accused of striking inmate
An Orange County sheriff’s deputy has been charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a jail inmate in the face while holding a set of keys, cutting the inmate’s face, authorities said Monday.
The deputy, Ryan Keith White, left the sheriff’s department a few days after the May 12 incident, said John McDonald, a Sheriff’s Department spokesman. McDonald would not say whether White, a deputy for 11 months, resigned or was fired.
White allegedly became frustrated with the inmate, Blaine Bowker, while searching his cell for prohibited items, according to a district attorney’s news release. He allegedly kicked Bowker before striking him in the face.
White, who lives in Brea, is scheduled for arraignment today.
Bowker was in jail awaiting trial on a series of violent crimes, including attempted murder and carjacking.
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