Four correctional officers were injured at Sing Sing Correctional Facility after an inmate violently assaulted a female officer, prompting a struggle that left three others hurt. Two of the officers required hospital treatment.
The incident occurred on March 5 as inmates were returning from the mess hall. The female officer was securing the cell block when she ordered an inmate to return to his cell. Instead, he ran ahead, shut the gate, and resisted compliance. When the officer attempted to use OC spray, the inmate attacked, striking her multiple times in the face and knocking her to the ground.
Additional officers rushed to assist. One officer attempted to restrain the inmate, who grabbed onto the cell bars and refused to let go. A second officer used force to break his grip, but the inmate continued to resist. A third officer arrived to help apply handcuffs, at which point the inmate finally complied and was escorted to the facility’s medical clinic.
The female officer suffered injuries to her face, jaw, head, and abdomen. Another officer sustained swelling and pain in his fingers and wrist. Both were transported to Phelps Hospital and did not return to duty. Two additional officers suffered injuries to their back, elbow, shoulder, and hand but were treated at the facility and remained on duty.
The 32-year-old inmate, serving a 15-year sentence for a 2018 weapons conviction in Genesee County, was transferred to Shawangunk Correctional Facility following the attack.
David Luther, vice president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) Southern Region, called for action to address rising violence in state prisons. “The unsafe conditions that existed prior to the strike will only continue until real solutions are put in place,” he stated, emphasizing the need for protection not only for officers but also for inmates who follow the rules.
The attack highlights ongoing concerns about prison violence and safety conditions for correctional staff.
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