Reed

Plaintiff filed an action against defendant County of Santa Cruz for personal injuries she received when she was assaulted by a man who was confined with her in a holding room at the Santa Cruz County jail while they were both in the process of being booked on criminal charges. Defendant sought summary judgment on the ground that it was immune from liability pursuant to Government Code section 844.6 because plaintiff was a “prisoner” at the time of the assault. The summary judgment motion was heard on agreed facts. “[Ojn Feb. 2, 1992, Plaintiff, Deborah Sue Craft [Reed], was arrested on two outstanding valid warrants by a Sheriff’s Deputy and brought to the Santa Cruz County Jail. ... At about 11:50 PM, Plaintiff was brought into the intake sallyport by the arresting officer. Plaintiff was searched by Defendant Valadez because a female officer was required to conduct searches on female arrestees. Plaintiff signed the Field Arrest Form. Defendant Valadez also completed the Intake Health Screening form. Plaintiff was placed in one of the holding rooms to await the last stage of the booking process, the creation of a computer record. A male arrestee was present in the…