Report: Inmate asks for broken arm

MOUNTAIN HOME, AR - The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office says an inmate in their jail took a painful approach in his quest for freedom. It did not work and he and another inmate are facing new charges that could keep them locked up even longer.

The incident happened inside the jail March 15th. Jailers say 23 year old Henry Nielson, of Mountain Home, told them he broke his arm while inside the housing unit. He claimed he had fallen out of his bunk breaking his arm. The inmate was taken to the Baxter Regional Medical Center for treatment, where it was determined that he did in fact have a broken arm, requiring surgery.

Jail supervisors later reviewed video from the jail security camera system. Investigators say the video shows a second jail inmate, later identified as 26 year old Cody Stradford, of Mountain Home, approached Nielson while he was sitting on the floor. Stradford was then seen raising his leg, pulling up his pants leg, and strongly kicking Nielson's left arm. Nielson then got up, walked around, and subsequently fell on the floor. The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office claims the video shows that this was a deliberate attack and may have been planned.

Sheriff's Investigator Brad Lewis says when confronted with the evidence from the video footage, Stradford admitted he kicked Nielson at Nielson's own request because Nielson was searching for a way to be released from jail and wanted to be injured. Investigators say Nielson also admitted asking Stradford to break his arm for him so he could be released from custody.

Cody Stradford, now faces new charges of Battery in the Second Degree - Class D Felony, Impairing the Operation of a Vital Public Facility - Class A Misdemeanor and Obstructing Governmental Operations - Misdemeanor

Stradford’s Bond on these new charges is $5,000. He was originally in jail on a hold for Marion County.

Henry Nielson, is still in the hospital but will be returned to jail when released and charged with Impairing the Operation of a Vital Public Facility - Class A Misdemeanor, Obstructing Governmental Operations - Misdemeanor

Nielson will have to go to Court following his hospital release for a bond hearing. He was originally being held on charges of Failure to Appear, Probation Violation, and Possessing Instruments of a Crime.