A corrections officer at Marcy Correctional Facility was injured earlier this month after an inmate attacked him during a routine security encounter.
The incident happened on October 3, when the officer attempted to stop a 26-year-old inmate who was running down a walkway inside the medium-security facility.
According to officials, the inmate ignored commands to stop, turned toward the officer, and lunged at him with a closed fist. Though he missed the punch, the inmate knocked the officer backward with his body.
The officer tried to restrain the inmate, forcing him to the ground. But the inmate broke free, stood up, and charged again. The officer deployed OC spray, which had no effect. During the second struggle, the inmate struck the officer in the face and continued to resist arrest.
A second officer arrived and helped restrain the inmate, who was eventually handcuffed and brought under control after attempting to kick both officers.
The injured officer suffered bruising and abrasions to his face, hands, and knees. He was treated at the facility and remained on duty.
The inmate, who was serving a five-year sentence for drug and attempted weapon possession convictions in Chautauqua County, was escorted to the infirmary for decontamination.
Bryan Hluska, Central Region Vice President, said the inmate is up for parole next spring. He called the attack an opportunity for the Oneida County District Attorney to pursue felony assault charges and send a message that violence against staff won’t be tolerated.
“Successfully prosecuting anyone who attacks and injures staff for felony assault would make inmates think twice about doing it in the future,” Hluska said.
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