HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Blair County has been sued by a former inmate who said he sustained permanent mental and physical injuries after being attacked by another inmate in 2023.

Larry Lykens, who was 79-years-old at the time, had been in the custody of the Blair County Prison awaiting trial on aggravated assault charges when he was attacked by murder suspect Raymond Oechsle, 53, of Altoona.

According to the lawsuit, the attack could have been avoided if the prison had taken necessary steps to protect other inmates.

In October 2023, Lykens was sitting in his unlocked cell in accordance with county policy, allowing cells to remain unlocked and inmates free to roam about. Oechsle allegedly approached Lykens and began stabbing him with a self-made weapon.

According to the lawsuit, Lyk

See Full Page