A violent encounter at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus left four corrections officers hospitalized after an inmate barricaded himself in his cell and attacked staff who attempted to intervene.
The incident occurred on Friday, April 4, after a 26-year-old inmate returned to his cell from the mental health unit. Upon being locked in, he told staff he was suicidal and covered his cell window with a blanket, refusing to respond to officers.
A response team of four officers entered the cell, one equipped with a plastic defense shield. The inmate immediately struck the shield and punched the officer in the head, according to the facility. Despite being pushed to the back of the cell and subdued with body holds, the inmate continued to fight and resist handcuffing. Officers eventually restrained him with leg shackles and handcuffs and placed him on a gurney for transport back to the mental health unit.
During the escort, the inmate attempted to bite staff several times but was unsuccessful. He was later placed in a secure observation cell after evaluation by medical staff. He is currently serving a 10-year sentence for second-degree robbery following a 2016 conviction in Oneida County.
All four officers involved were injured, suffering from head, back, knee, wrist, and shoulder injuries. While being treated at the facility, they began experiencing nausea and vomiting. Medical staff administered Narcan, but it had no visible effect. The officers were transported to Geneva General Hospital for further evaluation.
A search of the inmate’s cell revealed no contraband. Authorities have not yet identified the substance the officers were exposed to.
NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold expressed deep concern over repeated unknown substance exposures in state prisons. “It is frightening to know that when officers have contact with inmates, they start vomiting with blurred vision and even losing consciousness,” Gold said. “Stopping the drugs from coming into the facilities should be the top priority before someone loses their life.”
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