A Hillsborough inmate fought a prison warden for nearly four minutes, video shows

TAMPA — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance video Thursday showing a nearly four-minute fight between a detention officer and an inmate at the Falkenburg Road Jail.

Deputy Nathan Gough suffered a broken eye socket and a cut on his left eye during the struggle with Raheem Fulton, court records show. The deputy was unable to call for help for several minutes as the pair struggled on the floor of an open-space dormitory and dozens of other inmates watched.

The sheriff’s office had asked a court last week to ban the media from seeing the video during a court hearing, arguing it contained “sensitive” information. But a judge ruled that they had failed to demonstrate a legal basis for keeping the video out of public view.

In a statement accompanying the video’s release Thursday, the sheriff’s office wrote that while they prioritize safety and security in their jails, they are “equally committed to maintaining transparency in our operations.”

The disturbing 10-minute footage, which the agency says was partially redacted for confidentiality and security reasons, was recorded on October 19. It opens with Gough standing behind a desk in the dorm room as Fulton, dressed in orange, walks by.

Fulton, 25, has been in custody since June, when Tampa police arrested him on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and numerous active warrants for his arrest.

Court records show Gough spoke to Fulton about “contraband” in jail, but Fulton walked away, sat in a chair and said something profane. Gough tried to continue talking, but Fulton refused to come back to the station.

In the video, Gough approaches Fulton from behind and appears to tell him to get up. He grabs both of his wrists as Fulton stands up. Fulton then quickly retreats, turns around and punches the deputy in the face.

The pair then engage in a prolonged struggle, wrestling and exchanging kicks and blows as objects fall from the deputy’s uniform and duty belt. At one point, Gough lay on his back with his legs wrapped around Fulton’s head as he tried to gain control.

As the fight continues, other men walk by or sit at nearby tables and watch. One man approaches the pair and appears to lean over and touch Fulton’s back before pausing and walking away.

An arrest report states that a witness tried to help the deputy, but someone threatened to hurt him if he intervened. After nearly four minutes, several other prisoners approach and appear to persuade Fulton to walk away. They then hand Gough some of his belongings.

The deputy, with a bloodied face, appears to hold up a can of pepper spray as he approaches Fulton again, causing him to go down just as other deputies arrive.

Gough was taken to Tampa General Hospital and later released.

Fulton faces an additional charge of aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer.