James City County Police arrested two inmates being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail on Sept. 4 for assaulting a correctional officer while attempting to escape from the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail (VPRJ). Kendell Serrette, 43 of Newport News and Raekwon Lamont Jones, 18 of Williamsburg are both charged with malicious wounding, attempted escape, assaulting a correctional officer and conspiracy to assault a correctional officer.
On Aug. 29 at 11:51 p.m., Serrette was armed with a “shank” made from a toothbrush and attacked a 45-year-old correctional officer while he was conducting security checks in B-3 housing at VPRJ. He initially grabbed the officer and held the shank to his throat demanding his keys. The correctional officer was able to defend himself until other correctional officers came to his aid. The officer received minor injuries to his arms from the shank during the assault. The investigation revealed that Serrette and Jones had conspired for Serrette to attack the officer and take his keys and equipment to aid in their escape. A subsequent search of Jones’ cell revealed a hand-written map of the jail to plot their escape route.
Serrette is serving a 2 year sentence for weapons offenses, destruction of property and probation violation. Jones is being held awaiting trial on sexual assault charges. Both inmates are being held at the VPRJ without bond.
Media Contact: Stephen A. Rubino, Deputy Chief
757-592-6490; Steve.Rubino@jamescitycountyva.gov