Charges filed against former inmate accused of stabbing Milwaukee County Jail sergeant

NOW: Charges filed against former inmate accused of stabbing Milwaukee County Jail sergeant

Updated: 3:37 p.m. on March 7, 2024

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Charges have been filed against the man accused of attacking a Milwaukee County Jail correctional sergeant Tuesday morning. 

Ronell Jerome Hart is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide after allegedly stabbing the 51-year-old victim in a parking garage. 

According to a criminal complaint, the victim was on his way to work when the incident occurred. 

He told investigators he went to the MATC parking structure to meet someone for coffee, but when the person wasn't there he left. As he was exiting the structure, he climbed a set of stairs leading to the corner of 9th and State, and when he reached the top, he noticed a man- later identified as Hart - dressed in all red clothing. 

The complaint says the sergeant recognized Hart as a former inmate, and asked, "Hart, what are you doing out here?"

He said Hart then reached into his jacket and attacked him, stabbing him multiple times with a sharp object. 

After he freed himself, the victim sought help in the lobby of the jail. 

Prosecutors say the correctional sergeant sustained injuries to his head, neck, chest, shoulder and back. His left lung was also punctured. 

Police recovered surveillance video of the incident, showing Hart arrive at the corner of 9th and State Street around 5:09 a.m. The video reportedly shows him waiting at the corner outside the structure until the victim exits the structure around 5:31 a.m.


Published: 11:17 a.m. on March 5, 2024

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 51-year-old Milwaukee County Jail correctional sergeant was attacked and stabbed early Tuesday morning, March 5. 

It happened near 9th and State streets just after 5:30 a.m. 

Officials say the 14-year veteran of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office was approached on foot by a suspect who attacked the sergeant, stabbing him several times before fleeing.

The sergeant was taken to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. 

The sergeant, according to the sheriff's office, was able to identify the suspect -- a 41-year-old Milwaukee man -- as a recently released occupant of the jail. 

The suspect was sought and arrested by Milwaukee police investigators later Tuesday morning. 

The Milwaukee Police Department is handling the investigation. 

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