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Inmates Rescue Guard in Jailhouse Brawl

'These inmates likely saved deputy Moon's life,' says police commander

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2009 10:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Deputy Kenneth Moon was alone at his station in a Florida county jail when Douglas Burden got the drop on him. The 24-year-old inmate quickly overpowered the 64-year-old guard, getting him in a choke hold that might have killed him, had a flock of other inmates not jumped into the melee—to rescue Moon. Surveillance cameras caught the entire affair—one inmate even radioed for help.

A police commander says the inmates “likely saved deputy Moon’s life,” and that when asked why they’d done it they replied, “Moon’s a good guy.” It’s a response that, “I think, speaks volumes as to the fact that we treat these men and women in our facilities with a lot of respect.”

[Images (1)]

[Videos (2)]

Inmates rush to guard Kenneth Moon's rescue in this YouTube screenshot.

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Inmates rush to the rescue of guard Kenneth Moon at Orient Road Jail, Tampa, Florida. (protector1973)

CNN's piece on the incident. (WackyNewsJapan)

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Inmates Rescue Guard in Jailhouse Brawl