A registered nurse suffered a fractured shoulder and three security staff members were injured after an inmate grabbed the nurse during medication delivery at Elmira Correctional Facility, according to the state correction officers union.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said the incident happened Tuesday, June 16, as the nurse was distributing medication through a cell door hatch while accompanied by a National Guard member.
The union said a 41-year-old inmate grabbed the nurse's arm and pulled it into the cell. After the nurse was able to break free with help from the Guard member, the inmate threw liquid from a paper cup, striking the nurse in the face, body and back, according to the release.
The nurse was treated for abrasions, swelling and a forearm laceration before being taken to Guthrie Corning Hospital, where a fractured shoulder was diagnosed.
Five correction officers and a sergeant responded after the assault, the union said. Chemical agents were used after the inmate refused orders, but were ineffective, and staff entered the cell to remove him.
Two officers and a sergeant sustained injuries to their backs, knees, hips or hands, according to the release. They were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty.
The union said the inmate is serving a sentence of 20 years to life following a 2025 Monroe County conviction for second-degree robbery.
Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA's western region vice president, said the case showed how routine duties can quickly become dangerous for prison staff.
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