A correction officer at Clinton Correctional Facility was hospitalized with facial injuries following a violent assault by an inmate in the prison’s mess hall, according to a statement released Friday by the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA).
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 16, when a 52-year-old inmate serving a 25-year sentence for the beating and stabbing death of an 81-year-old woman attacked an officer after being counseled about food line procedures.
According to officials, the inmate struck the officer in the face and nose, knocking him backward. Two responding officers intervened and were able to bring the inmate to the floor using a body hold. The inmate continued to resist and kick during the struggle, but was eventually restrained and handcuffed.
The officer who was assaulted sustained bleeding from both nostrils and a nasal deviation. He was transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for treatment. The two other officers involved in restraining the inmate suffered hand, elbow, and knee injuries but were treated at the facility and remained on duty.
A second inmate was also removed to a Special Housing Unit after encouraging others to join the attack.
“With staffing shortages reaching 4,700 statewide, attacks like this at Clinton will be more commonplace as inmates know that officers are even more vulnerable to attacks,” said John Roberts, NYSCOPBA Northern Region Vice President. “Until that is achieved, facilities across the state will continue to operate with reduced staffing levels that jeopardize the safety of everyone.”
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