28-Year-Old Detention Officer Murdered by Inmate, Police Say

WAXAHACHIE (BFMG) — An Ellis County detention officer was killed Monday after being assaulted by an inmate, Ellis County Sheriff Brad Norman announced Tuesday.

Officer Isaiah Bias, 28, was escorting an inmate back to his cell when he was attacked around 3:45 p.m. The sheriff’s office said Bias received immediate medical attention and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The inmate, identified as 45-year-old Arron Semeion Thompson, attacked Bias while being escorted to his segregated cell, where he spent 23 hours a day in isolation. According to an affidavit, Thompson struck Bias in the head, choked him from behind, and continued to attack him repeatedly. After the assault, Thompson returned to the first floor of the detention center and sat at a table. Additional officers arrived, restrained Thompson, and placed him in handcuffs.

Sheriff Norman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Bias, describing him as a dedicated officer and beloved member of the department.

“He loved what he did. He loved the people he worked with, and everybody around him loved him,” Norman said.

Bias joined the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office straight out of high school. After a brief hiatus to attend Navarro College, he returned to the department. As a teenager, he participated in the Ellis County Sheriff’s Explorers program, which provides training and leadership skills to teens interested in law enforcement careers.

Sheriff Norman characterized the crime as deliberate and horrific.

“Most of the time, law enforcement officers and detention officers deal with good folks having a bad day. Occasionally, we deal with bad folks. I can honestly say that my staff over the last day has dealt with pure evil,” Norman said.

Thompson, who has a criminal record dating back to 2002, was incarcerated on multiple charges, including assaulting a public servant and evading arrest. Following the attack on Bias, Thompson was charged with capital murder. He is being held in another detention facility on a $2 million bond. Sheriff Norman said he hopes the District Attorney’s office seeks the death penalty in the case according to KCEN.

“Because it was a heinous, horrific, purposeful murder that was senseless and not needed,” Norman said.

The Texas Rangers have launched an investigation into the incident.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office noted that 133 jailers and 137 deputies are responsible for overseeing 558 inmates at the detention center. Sheriff Norman acknowledged the challenges faced by detention staff and emphasized the commitment of his team in the wake of this tragedy.

Bias’ death marks a solemn moment for the community and the sheriff’s office, which mourns the loss of a dedicated officer who served with distinction and heart.