An inmate booked into the Atoka County Jail on public intoxication charges now faces a felony charge after allegedly assaulting a jailer on May 5, 2025.
According to a report filed by Deputy Joe Miklaucic of the Atoka County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred at approximately 3:12 AM. Deputy Miklaucic was covering radio dispatch while dispatcher/jailer Miranda Coyle was assisting inmate Ashley Ward with changing into jail clothing. Ward had been brought in by the Atoka Police Department on public intoxication charges and was reportedly confrontational from the moment of her arrival.
Deputy Miklaucic stated that he could hear the inmate being confrontational with Jailer Coyle in the restroom during the strip search and dressing process. Afterward, as Jailer Coyle escorted the aggressive inmate to the detox holding cell, Ward reportedly kept pulling away, requiring assistance from Jailer Tylan Mobbs to reach the cell.
Upon being placed in the detox cell, the report alleges that inmate Ashley Ward struck Jailer Coyle with an open palm to her left chin and grabbed her hair. Atoka Police Officer Joe Doshier, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Officer Christian Minyen, and Jailer Tylan Mobbs quickly intervened and placed the inmate on a bench in the corner of the cell. They then released the inmate one by one and were able to safely exit the cell without further incident.
Deputy Miklaucic inquired if Jailer Coyle required medical attention, and she reportedly stated that she was fine.
As a result of the alleged assault, inmate Ashley Ward is now facing a felony charge of assault and battery on a correctional officer.
