3/5/26 - LCSO Case 26-1121 - Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy Assaulted In The Lane County Jail - 03/06/26
On March 5th at 11:30 a.m. in the Lane County Jail, a deputy was assisting a nurse with medication distribution in a housing area. An adult in custody, John Paul Lockhart, 62, of Medford, was out of his cell for his dayroom time, which custodies are given throughout the day in all housing areas.
As the deputy was assisting the nurse and another adult in custody, Lockhart ran at the deputy and began striking him with a mop handle, causing injuries to his arm and torso. The deputy deployed pepper spray, which was ineffective. The deputy then took Lockhart to the floor, removed the broom handle, and placed him in handcuffs.
Lockhart, who was already in custody on multiple warrants and for crimes investigated by Oregon State Police and the Eugene Police Department, was charged with:
- Attempted Assault in the 2nd Degree
- Assault on a Public Safety Officer
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Supplying Contraband