FOLSOM – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is investigating an attack on two prison guards at California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC) as an attempted homicide.
The incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 22 at approximately 8:20 a.m. when incarcerated person Ronald D. Yandell, 62, allegedly drew an improvised weapon while being escorted back to his cell after a scheduled appointment at the facility’s central health building.
One of the officers deployed three bursts of pepper spray, causing Yandell to drop the weapon. He was subsequently restrained and removed from the scene without further incident. Medical staff evaluated Yandell, but determined he had not sustained any injuries. No staff members were hurt during the altercation.
An improvised weapon was recovered at the scene. CDCR officials said the case would be referred to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office for possible felony prosecution.
Yandell, who was convicted of first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, was received at SAC from Contra Costa County on March 18, 2004. He is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
