Three separate inmate-on-inmate fights inside dormitories at Mohawk Correctional Facility left multiple inmates injured, some requiring outside hospital treatment.
The incidents occurred Jan. 9, Feb. 4 and Feb. 10 inside the medium-security prison in Rome, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
In the first incident, an officer saw two inmates fighting in a dorm recreation room on Jan. 9. Despite repeated orders to stop, both inmates continued. OC spray worked on one inmate but failed on the other. An officer used a body hold to bring the second inmate to the floor, where additional staff secured him in handcuffs.
A folded metal weapon consistent with a cutting tool fell from the inmate’s clothing as officers brought him to his feet. One inmate suffered a small laceration to his cheek consistent with being cut. Investigators determined the fight began in a living quarter before moving to the recreation room.
On Feb. 4, an officer witnessed another fight inside a dorm. One inmate armed himself with a broken broom handle and struck the other inmate in the head and body.
When additional staff arrived, both inmates stopped fighting. The inmate who was struck became unresponsive and showed seizure-like symptoms. He was treated at the infirmary and transported to Rome Hospital, where he regained responsiveness and was later returned to the facility. Officials said the altercation stemmed from gang-related tensions.
On Feb. 10, during routine rounds, an officer found an inmate in a dorm bathroom attempting to clean blood off his upper body. A second inmate was located with injuries to his head and body.
One inmate sustained a deep chin laceration, a black eye and abrasions consistent with being kicked in the head. The other had small cuts to his eyebrow and cheek consistent with a cutting-type weapon. Both were transported to Rome Hospital for treatment. A search of their living quarters did not uncover any weapons.
All inmates involved in the three fights face disciplinary charges, officials said.
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