A Kotzebue man is accused of attempted murder, after allegedly attacking a Corrections Officer while in custody. According to court documents, Kotzebue police responded to a call from dispatchers of an incident at Kotzebue Regional Jail on Aug. 6. Police say 27-year-old inmate Kenneth Foster started a fight with Corrections officer Lorin Downing, who entered his cell after Foster threatened to harm himself.
Downing said that Foster strangled him twice and said he was trying to kill him. In a statement the responding officer Christopher Buege said he intervened and Downing was able to escape.
Buege said marks on Downing’s neck were consistent with strangulation. The corrections officer also had a black eye, cut on his nose and swollen lip. Downing was transported to Maniilaq Health Center for treatment of his injuries.
Foster faces a felony attempted murder charge, as well as his initial assault charges for domestic violence. His first court hearing is scheduled for August 14 at the Kotzebue Courthouse.
