November 27, 2024 - FOLSOM – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the attack of two peace officers at California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC) as attempted homicide.

On Nov. 22, 2024, at approximately 8:20 a.m., incarcerated person Ronald D. Yandell, 62, allegedly drew an improvised weapon against two officers while he was being escorted back to his cell after a scheduled appointment at the institution’s central health building.

One of the officers deployed three applications of pepper spray. Yandell dropped the improvised weapon, was placed in restraints and was removed from the incident site without further incident. He was evaluated by medical staff, who determined he did not sustain injuries. No staff was injured. An improvised weapon was found at the scene.

The case will be referred to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office for possible felony prosecution.

Yandell was received from Contra Costa County on March 18, 2004, sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.

SAC opened in 1986 and houses more than 2,200 medium-, maximum- and high-security incarcerated persons. SAC offers academic classes and vocational programs and employs approximately 1,500 people.

Source: CDCR