Authorities have released the identity of the inmate accused of attacking and killing a veteran Ohio corrections officer on Christmas Day.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) has confirmed that Officer Andrew Lansing lost his life after an “inmate assault” at the Chillicothe prison on Christmas morning.
The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m., but the department did not release additional information about what led to the assault.
On Thursday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol ordered the inmate to be booked into jail on felonious assault and weapons charges stemming from a September 2023 incident, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections website. He was identified as 27-year-old Rashaun Cannon. .
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The Ohio State Highway Patrol has identified the inmate allegedly involved in the assault that led to the death of correctional officer Andrew Lansing at Ross Correctional Facility on Christmas Day. (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction)
The website indicated that Canon's expected release date was August 5, 2030.
Cannon was transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, officials said.
Annette Chambers-Smith, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, released a statement about the assault, calling it a difficult loss.
“I am deeply saddened to confirm the tragic death of correctional officer Andrew Lansing following an inmate assault at Ross Correctional Facility this morning,” Chambers-Smith said in a statement. .
“Losing an employee is hard, but losing a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our custody is a tragedy beyond comprehension. It's the police officers who stand with their families.'' Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same.'' – Annette Chambers Smith, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Chambers-Smith said Officer Lansing was a long-time and well-respected employee at the center, and his “untimely death on Christmas Day is a great loss to his family, the entire Ross Correctional Facility family, and our entire department.” It's heartbreaking.” . ”
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Ross County correctional officer Andrew Lansing was killed on Christmas morning after allegedly assaulting an inmate. (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction)
“Officer Lansing was beloved by his colleagues and was known for being a great support of RCI employees. Please keep Officer Lansing's family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this devastating and tragic time. We ask that you please do so,” the statement continued.
Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Ohio) also released a statement expressing his condolences and calling Officer Lansing “one of the finest correctional officers.”
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Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers have identified the person of interest involved in the correctional officer's death as 27-year-old Lashawn Cannon. (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction)
“Just as many of us were celebrating the Christmas holidays, tragedy struck the Los Angeles Correctional Facility. Today, one of our most talented correctional officers lost his life in a struggle with an inmate. It is sad and heartbreaking,” the statement said.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting a homicide investigation. Please keep the family of a police officer who lost their life on Christmas Day in your thoughts and prayers.”
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered all flags to be lowered in honor of Officer Lansing until sunset on the day of his funeral.
Chambers-Smith added that Ross Correctional Facility is currently operating under a travel restriction and an investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol is ongoing.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com.
