Middlebury man cited for assaulting officers at Rutland correctional center

RUTLAND — A Middlebury man has been cited for assaulting three correctional officers at the Marble Valley Correctional Center on Dec. 27.

David K. Ricklefs, 53, was causing a disturbance by covering his cell window and refused to comply with orders from the Vermont Department of Corrections staff, according to authorities.

When officers attempted to remove the obstruction, Ricklefs allegedly threw a substance believed to contain bodily fluids at them, striking officers Brett Zbras, Robert Popeleski, and Michael Carlson.

Vermont State Police, assisted by the Middlebury Police Department, responded to the incident.

Following an investigation, Ricklefs was issued a citation for assaulting protected professionals.

The affected officers were assessed for injuries, and the facility has since returned to its regular operations.

Ricklefs is scheduled to appear in Rutland Superior Court to face charges related to the incident.