California

2 Veteran California Corrections Officers Shot by Jail Visitor

The suspect, Thong Vang, 37, was also hospitalized with minor injuries after the incident

Two veteran California corrections officers were in critical condition Saturday after they were allegedly shot by a gang member visiting the Fresno County Jail, according to authorities.

Juanita Davila, with 18 years of experience, and Toamalama Scanlan, with 10 years of experience, were both undergoing surgery Saturday after suffering bullet wounds to their heads and their necks, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, NBC News reported.

The suspect, Thong Vang, 37, was also hospitalized with minor injuries after the incident, which occurred at 8:30 a.m., the statement said.

Vang is a known gang member who served 14 years in prison for multiple rape charges before he was released in 2014. The sheriff's office said he was at the jail to visit someone Saturday morning and became disgruntled when he was told he could not cut the line.

Vang was later charged with attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a gun, and a bringing drugs into jail.

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