CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Inmates violently attack detention officer

Fabian Mendivil, 35. (Source: Pinal County Sheriff's Office)

PINAL COUNTY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - An officer at the Pinal County Sheriff's Adult Detention Center is OK after being violently attacked by two inmates on Sunday, July 31.

And the incident was all caught on camera.

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According to Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu in a media release, the inmates planned the attack while the officer was making routine security checks.

When the officer stepped into a common recreation area of the cell block, both men followed him and began punching him in the face and body.

The officer fought back while a second officer ran over to help.

The assisting officer used a rubber-coated data collection wand to fight off the inmates.

The first officer suffered facial injuries and a broken ankle, and the assisting officer suffered injuries to one of his hands and wrists.

"This calculated and violent attack on our detention officer is a stark reminder that the job they do is dangerous and a very necessary public safety function in the county," Babeu said in the release. "I'm very proud of how our detention staff handled this incident. They defended themselves and controlled a violent situation."

The inmates have been identified as 32-year-old Ismael Martinez and 35-year-old Fabian Mendivil.

Martinez was awaiting trial on burglary charges.

He was taken to a hospital for a head injury, but is now back in PCSO custody.

Mendivil was transferred to the PCSO Jail for court on July 27.

Both men now face charges for aggravated assault.