Six officers were injured, and two were sent to the hospital following an attack by three inmates at Five Points Correctional Facility during a pat frisk near the mess hall, according to officials. The incident is part of a growing pattern of violence at the maximum-security prison, where 50 officers have been injured in the past five months.
The assault occurred on the morning of September 22, when one inmate, refusing multiple orders to sit down during breakfast, was directed to undergo a pat frisk. Initially compliant, the inmate suddenly became aggressive, prompting officers to restrain him. As they struggled, two other inmates charged at the officers, one armed with a cane, striking a sergeant in the arm.
Despite attempts to subdue the inmates, including the use of OC spray, the attackers continued their assault. One officer was grabbed in a chokehold and punched in the head before additional staff intervened. It took several officers to regain control and handcuff the inmates. Even after being subdued, one inmate attempted another assault during transport to a holding cell.
Two of the injured officers were transported to Geneva General Hospital for treatment, while four others were treated for injuries including neck, shoulder, wrist, and knee pain, and remained on duty.
The three inmates involved in the attack were placed in Special Housing Units pending disciplinary action. One of the attackers is serving a 57-years-to-life sentence for murder and attempted murder, convicted in Bronx County for fatally stabbing his father and ex-girlfriend, and critically injuring his brother in 2020.
The incident adds to a disturbing trend at Five Points, where staff members have faced escalating violence, including 10 incidents of inmates throwing bodily fluids at officers. The prison has also seen multiple inmate suicide ruses designed to lure staff into cells for ambushes.
Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President of the correction officers’ union, condemned the growing violence and lack of support. “This is a system that is unsustainable and our members are suffering as a result,” he said, calling on state officials to take action.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the rise in violent incidents within the facility.
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