Sheriff Phil Wowak says that the county plans to review its procedures following the escape of prisoner Maurice Ainsworth during a medical procedure on Monday.
Sheriff Phil Wowak says that the county plans to review its procedures following the escape of prisoner Maurice Ainsworth during a medical procedure on Monday. At the same time, he added that the county will not institute any knee-jerk reactions in response to the incident. Many people have criticized how Ainsworth, who stands 6’ 7”, was accompanied by a single deputy, 5’3” Cathy Bramanti. Ainsworth overpowered her, tased her twice and grabbed her weapon after she was incapacitated. Nevertheless, the Sheriff’s Department heaped praise on the diminutive Bramanti for how she handled herself in the situation: “She was heroic in her actions,” said Santa Cruz County Chief Deputy Jeff Marsh at a news conference, “staying in the fight and doing everything in her power and beyond to bring the suspect into custody.”
The problem, said Wowak, was that Ainsworth probably planned his escape long before it occurred. “Obviously there needs to be changes if there’s any way they can get away,” he said, referring to inmates, but added, “I want to do something that’s very comprehensive,” instead of responding to this specific incident only.
Ainsworth is now being treated at a secured medical facility. He is believed to have ingested medication in the home he entered, possibly as a suicide attempt. He is expected to return to jail today. Read more at ABC 7, Fox 35 and the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
