Police Officer Hospitalized after Altercation with Suspect
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Police Officer Hospitalized after Altercation with Suspect
By Chris Maney
Per a police report submitted by The Oneida Sheriff’s Department, multiple officers were involved in an altercation with alleged suspect, Mark Lay of Oneida, which resulted in Chief Steve Trammel having a possible heart attack at the scene after having a taser turned on him. According to the report, on 11/20/24, officers responded to a residence near Oneida Save a Lot that Mr. Lay allegedly broke into – it was reported that the suspect broke into the home while two elderly residents were inside.
It is alleged that Mr. Lay broke into the bathroom of the residence and carved the words, “hell hole,” into the linoleum floor with a knife. It is reported that he continued into other rooms of the home, ripped the door from its hinges, and poured water over an electric heater. Over the course of the incident, the suspect was alleged to have broken multiple picture frames and a large table, Chief Steve Trammell made contact with the suspect and attempted to lead him away from the elderly residents. It is alleged that the suspect became violent, repeatedly headbutting the assistant chief Steve Trammel. Sgt Chambers and Ast. Chief Trammel reportedly drew tasers on the suspect, which resulted in Ast chief’s taser being turned on himself. The Ast. Chief was tased and reportedly succumbed to a heart attack as a result of multiple tases. The report indicates that Sgt. Denis Chambers, K9 Officer Casey Geisler, Sgt Darcy Phillips, Sgt Chad Jones, and Deputy Braden Jeffers suffered minor injuries from the altercations with Mr. Lay, who allegedly kicked and hit officers.
The report indicates a sustained period of fighting with Mr. Mark Lay who was ultimately taken into custody and transported to Scott County Hospital. The report indicated that Mr. Lay cycles between full awareness and confusion. Chief of police Daryl Laxton was unable to comment if the suspect was experiencing a mental health crisis or effects of an illegal substance. Ast. Chief Trammel was also brought to Scott County hospital where he was transferred to Tennova North Medical Center to treat his injuries. Ast Chief Trammel was subsequently discharged from the hospital and returned to work at the Oneida Police Dept.
The suspect was ultimately charged with assault on an officer, vandalism of 10,000 to 60,000 dollars, aggravated burglary, and assault.
