June 25
Prison inmate Curtis Allgier fatally shot corrections officer Stephen Anderson during a visit to the U’s Orthopaedic Clinic in Research Park. After leaving the U, Allgier, who was being held for a parole violation, hijacked a car, drove to an Arby’s restaurant on Redwood Road and put a gun to an employee’s head. Eric Fullerton, a customer inside the restaurant, wrested the gun from Allgier.
Allgier was then arrested and booked in jail where he faces eight charges, including aggravated murder, disarming a police officer and aggravated escape from custody, all first-degree felonies. He is being held without bail, and prosecutors said he could face the death penalty. A preliminary hearing has been set for February 2008.
In response to the event, 18 new officers have been hired to ensure that at least two or three officers-depending on how much of a “risk” the inmate is considered to be-will escort inmates to routine medical visits.
The University Hospital changed its policy mandating that two officers escort inmates receiving treatment.
A new computer system will also allow officers to see which inmates are “at risk” more clearly. Additionally, guards will carry Tasers, and inmates must wear a new leg restraint that will cause them to hobble if they try to escape.
