Pima County jail officer accused of punching inmate

A Pima County corrections officer has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault after allegedly punching an unruly inmate in the face several times during the jail booking process, authorities say.

The incident happened about 10:40 p.m. Aug. 31, while Ayden Escarrega, 20, was working in the jail’s holding area with the new inmate, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

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When the inmate became uncooperative, Escarrega allegedly struck the inmate several times in the face while the inmate was on the floor. The inmate received minor injuries, deputies said.

Detectives responded to the detention center to interview witnesses and collect evidence.

Escarrega was booked into the Pima County jail and placed on administrative leave during the investigation.