Several staff members were injured in two incidents at Groveland Correctional Facility, including an assault during an inmate transport and a separate attempted escape at the Livingston County prison, according to the state correction officers union.
NYSCOPBA said the first incident happened June 23, when two officers saw an inmate struggling to stand near the basketball courts and believed he needed immediate medical care.
The officers placed the inmate in a transport van to take him to the facility infirmary. During the transport, the inmate became increasingly agitated, according to the union.
When officers arrived at the infirmary and tried to escort the inmate from the van, NYSCOPBA said the inmate kicked one officer in the side of the face, knocking him backward into the vehicle.
Staff forced the inmate to the ground, secured him and placed him on a gurney before he was brought into the infirmary for medical treatment, according to the union.
The officer suffered facial swelling, headache and dizziness. NYSCOPBA said he was taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
A sergeant suffered shoulder and knee injuries while helping subdue the inmate. He was treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty.
NYSCOPBA said the inmate, 34, is serving a one-to-three-year sentence after being convicted in Livingston County in 2025 of driving while intoxicated as a third offense.
The second incident happened June 30, when a sergeant was interviewing an inmate in a dormitory recreation room and the inmate fled toward the facility's interior perimeter fence.
Officers pursued the inmate as he climbed the fence and ignored repeated orders to stop, according to the union. NYSCOPBA said the inmate became entangled in razor wire at the top of the fence.
Responding staff freed the inmate from the razor wire, pulled him safely to the ground and eventually placed him in handcuffs after he refused to let go of the fence, the union said.
The inmate was taken to the facility infirmary and then to Wyoming County Community Hospital for deep lacerations to his forearm, elbow, upper arm, shoulder, back and hands. He was later transferred to Attica Correctional Facility and placed in a special housing unit.
NYSCOPBA said a sergeant suffered a puncture wound to his thumb from the razor wire and was exposed to the inmate's blood. One officer had significant blood exposure, while another suffered an ankle injury during the apprehension. All three employees were taken to Noyes Hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The inmate involved in the escape attempt, 46, is serving a one-to-three-year sentence after being convicted in Onondaga County in 2025 of attempted third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold said the incidents show the risks correction officers and sergeants face while responding to medical emergencies, assaults and attempted escapes.
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