KDSN RADIO News
Sac County Inmate Assaults Jail Staff During Escape Attempt
SAC COUNTY, IOWA — On the afternoon of June 4, 2025, a Sac County jailer and two deputy sheriffs were assaulted while trying to stop an escape from the Sac County Jail.
The incident involved 36-year-old Artis Karazins of Lake View, Iowa, who was being held in the jail’s center holding cell. Around 3:00 p.m., jail staff opened the food pass-through — a slot measuring 14 inches wide by 8 inches high — to hand Karazins some paperwork. Jail video shows Karazins grabbing the jailer’s arm and pulling her toward the cell. He eventually let go, but the staff member suffered bruising on her forearm.
Passing paperwork and meals through this slot is standard procedure.
Later that evening, the same jailer attempted to deliver a meal. Video footage shows her looking through the cell window, spotting Karazins lying naked on his bunk. As she opened the pass-through door to hand in the food tray, Karazins charged from his bunk and managed to squeeze his head and shoulder through the small opening. The jailer immediately called for help.
Before responding deputies could reach the cell, Karazins had forced his way out. He chased the jailer down a stairwell toward the booking area. As she reached the door, two deputies opened it, and Karazins charged at them. A struggle followed, but the deputies were able to subdue Karazins and place him in handcuffs. Additional officers and Sac County EMS were dispatched to the scene.
Karazins was taken to Loring Hospital for evaluation and stayed overnight under supervision. Once cleared the next morning, he was transported to the Woodbury County Jail, which agreed to hold him.
Karazins had been in the Sac County Jail since May 31 after being arrested by Lake View Police for second-degree criminal mischief and leaving the scene of an accident.
Officials noted that jail staff followed proper protocols, which prevented Karazins from escaping the building. The presence of law enforcement inside the facility at the time likely prevented more serious injuries.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns over the aging, 90-year-old Sac County Jail, which has repeatedly been flagged in inspection reports as a safety hazard for staff, inmates, and the public.
