A man housed in Tehama County Jail awaiting sentencing in an elder abuse case faces further charges after allegedly attacking jail staff. A jury trial concluded last week with guilty verdicts on two felony charges against 39-year-old Shayne Austin Collins of Gerber. He pummeled the elderly victim in June, knocking him out and causing a major head injury. At his sentencing in January Collins faces up to 7 years in state prison for that conviction. At 10 o’clock Sunday night a correctional deputy was on routine rounds when he entered a housing unit and was approached by Collins. The Sheriff’s Office says Collins began assaulting the deputy for unknown reasons, punching him several times in his head and body. Other jail staff rushed in and restrained Collins. The deputy was taken to Saint Elizabeth Hospital, where he was treated and released. Collins is now charged with battery on a custodial officer and resisting a custodial officer.
– Steve Gibson