×

Inmate faces trial over assault

Former Houtzdale prisoner accused of beating officer

CLEARFIELD — A former inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale will stand trial for seriously injuring a corrections officer.

Officials said as the CO was doing his rounds in June, inmate Dion Capers, 32, allegedly came out of his cell and punched the officer several times as he fought with him. During the fight, the CO fell and hit his head on the floor, leaving him unconscious.

While the CO was lying on the floor, witnesses said they saw Capers punch the CO two to three more times in the head, according to the affidavit.

Capers then reportedly bragged that he left the man “shaking” and said he had sent him into a seizure “with no weapons.”

Investigators said a video of the incident captured Capers saying that the CO was “bleeding out his head, shaking on the ground like a baby.”

He allegedly went on to say he could have “held his breath and killed him.”

Capers is charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault, a felony count of assault by prisoner, misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment.

The CO suffered a traumatic brain injury and a skull fracture, according to the report.

Capers waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court in Clearfield County. His case now moves on to the court of common pleas.

Court records indicate that Capers has been transferred to the state prison in Huntingdon.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today