MINNEAPOLIS — A violent altercation at the Hennepin County jail left Deputy Matthew Durette with severe injuries, shaping not only his physical health but also his view on the risks faced by law enforcement personnel. The assault, carried out by 24-year-old inmate Gregory Jorge Garcia in November 2023, has raised concerns about safety protocols within correctional facilities.
Garcia was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the two-minute attack, which Durette described as life-threatening. “He was trying to kill me,” Durette recalled, adding that while it may not have been personal, Garcia’s intentions were clear. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene filled with blood, leading many to believe he had been stabbed.
During the attack, Garcia struck Durette 36 times and choked him repeatedly, causing the deputy to lose consciousness multiple times. Durette suffered serious injuries, including a broken nose, traumatic brain injury, and damage to his neck and hips, requiring nine months of recovery and several surgeries.
Sgt. Diane Nelson, a veteran with nearly three decades of service, characterized the assault as one of the most brutal she has encountered. According to Nelson, Durette’s decision to uncuff Garcia right before the attack was made in good faith, based on Garcia’s cordial behavior. “There was zero pre-attack indication from him,” Durette stated, emphasizing how unexpected the violence was.
The incident unfolded as Durette transported inmates through the jail’s underground tunnels between court appearances and their cells. Garcia, already in custody for an assault charge, displayed calmness before the violence erupted. Just after Durette unlocked his handcuffs, Garcia attacked, leading to a frantic struggle that left Durette helpless on the ground.
In a fortunate turn, another inmate witnessed the assault and called for help, potentially saving Durette’s life. Following the incident, detaining officers managed to intervene but not before Durette sustained significant injuries. He vividly remembered being transported out of the facility, stating that he insisted on walking despite the severe pain, only to require assistance from fellow deputies.
Garcia initially faced multiple charges, including first-degree assault, which carries enhanced penalties when committed against law enforcement. Investigators later pushed for an attempted murder charge based on the severity of Durette’s injuries. Although the charge was brought to court, Garcia was acquitted, a decision that left Durette feeling let down. “It’s important to send a message that this cannot be tolerated,” he declared.
Despite the traumatic experience, Durette returned to work at the jail last fall and is working toward earning his peace officer license to become a patrol deputy. As an Army veteran who saw combat in Afghanistan, he is accustomed to facing danger, yet he believes that such assaults should not be part of the job description for law enforcement officers.
Durette expressed determination to continue serving the community, stating, “My life has been defined by one word: service.” Even as he navigates the physical and emotional scars from the attack, he remains committed to his duty, reinforcing the need for awareness regarding the risks that officers encounter in their line of work.
While violence in correctional settings is recognized, Durette insists that no officer should anticipate assault as a routine part of their duties. “It’s a reality of the job, but it’s not part of the job and shouldn’t be considered part of it,” he reiterated.