Elmira, NY – Two separate attacks on staff injured several officers at the maximum security correctional facility continuing the record year of assaults on staff. Both incidents occurred on Friday, December 18. The first attack occurred at 8:45 a.m. An officer began to conduct a random cell search. As the cell door was opened, the inmate inside began to punch the officer in the upper body. The officer was able to block several of the punches and get the inmate to the floor just outside of the cell. Handcuffs were applied and the inmate became compliant. The inmate, 33, is serving a 10 year sentence after being convicted for Attempted Murder 2nd in 2014 in Kings County. He was placed in a Special Housing Unit pending disciplinary charges. The officer sustained pain and swelling to his right hand, left thumb and right forearm. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. At 8:10 p.m., during evening recreation, an inmate exited his cell in improper clothing. He was directed back into his cell by an officer. He refused and became agitated and argumentative. He took an aggressive stance at the officer. He attempted to strike the officer with his right fist. Two officers grabbed the inmate in a body hold and forced him to the floor. On the floor, the inmate grabbed one of the officers in a choke hold around his neck and head. He refused to let go of the officer. Force was used to get him to release the chokehold and off of the officer. Handcuffs were applied and he became compliant. The inmate, 21, is serving a two year sentence for Attempted Burglary 2nd after being convicted in Monroe County in 2018. He was placed in a Special Housing Unit pending disciplinary charges. Three officers were injured in the incident. All sustained pain and swelling to their extremities. They were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty. “Two days past Christmas and we are reporting additional attacks on staff as we close out 2020. This will be a record year for assaults on staff despite the inmate population being at its lowest level in decades. There is no reason to believe 2021 will be any different until DOCCS makes staff safety their priority.” – stated Mark Deburgomaster, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President.
