A Lake View man faces additional charges after allegedly assaulting a jailer and two deputies during an attempted escape from the Sac County Jail on June 4. Authorities say 36-year-old Artis Karazins was in a holding cell at approximately 3 p.m. when he grabbed a jailer’s arm through a food pass-through slot and pulled her partially into the door. Later that evening, Karazins, who had undressed himself, attempted to escape through the same 14-by-8-inch slot while being served a meal. Surveillance video shows Karazins squeezing his head and shoulder through the opening before chasing the jailer down a stairwell. Two deputies intercepted Karazins at the booking area near the jail’s exit, where a physical struggle ensued before he was subdued and handcuffed. Karazins was transported to Loring Hospital for evaluation and later transferred to the Woodbury County Jail, where he remains in custody. Karazins was being held on charges of felony criminal mischief, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving. Sac County Sheriff Ken McClure says, “This is yet another reminder of the need to replace the 90-year-old, outdated jail. This incident echoes the past jail inspection reports, which state that our jail is a safety hazard not only to the public but to staff and inmates as well.” Additional charges against Karazins for the escape attempt are pending.
