By Janice Morse
Enquirer staff writer

LEBANON - Warren County Sheriff Tom Ariss is trying to find a suitable way to publicly thank Aaron Koeller. The Trenton man rescued Deputy Sandy Brooks when she was attacked by an inmate during an escape attempt Wednesday.

"He was there and saw a problem and became involved. ...Who knows what would have happened if he hadn't gotten involved?" Ariss said Thursday. "He definitely saved Sandy Brooks from more serious injuries. ... How do you thank someone for putting his life on the line for someone he didn't know?"

Ariss, who called Koeller a hero, said he also has plans to more carefully secure Estell Wayne Buck, the prisoner who was jailed on a murder charge and now is accused in Wednesday's attack.

"Because he's now a flight risk, we'll probably have to have him wear a stun belt when we move him around," Ariss said.

If an inmate fails to comply with an officer's commands, the belt can be activated to deliver a shock that will "knock him down," Ariss said.

Buck, 55, of Eaton, appeared in Middletown Municipal Court on Thursday on charges of aggravated robbery, felonious assault and attempted escape. Acting Judge Larry Moore set bond at $500,000 and set a preliminary hearing for Aug. 27.

Brooks had driven Buck to a dental appointment on Central Avenue. As Brooks placed Buck in her cruiser after the appointment, he slipped his waist security chain over Brooks' neck and tried to take her gun. Koeller subdued the inmate, police said.

Brooks was treated for head and face injuries.

E-mail jmorse@enquirer.com