ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Three correctional officers and a sergeant were injured while breaking up an inmate fight in a stairway at Elmira Correctional Facility last week, NYSCOPBA says.

According to NYSCOPBA, two inmates were fighting in the stairwell leading up to their cell block after they were let out of morning programs on Monday, April 15. An officer saw the fighting and ordered the inmates to stop several times before they complied. One of the inmates returned to his cell as instructed, and the other refused.

NYSCOPBA says that the officer approached the inmate, and the inmate started to run up the stairs. The officer confronted the inmate, and the inmate lunged at him, struck him, and caused him to fall down the stairs. The inmate then fell on top of the officer. Two COs who responded to the incident grabbed the inmate in a body hold when he attempted to stand up. The inmate was forced to the floor and remained combative.

While on the floor, the inmate struck one of the officers in the face and bit another on the back, according to NYSCOPBA. A third officer was able to get handcuffs on the inmate in front of his body during the struggle. The inmate was then brought to his feet and remained combative. A sergeant responded to the incident, and the inmate struck the sergeant in the face while still cuffed. The officers then placed the inmate in body holds again and forced him to the floor. He then became compliant and was escorted away from the cell block.

Medical staff at Elmira Correctional Facility treated the three injured COs and the sergeant. One of the officers was transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center and treated for a fractured heel. The officer who was bitten was transported to Guthrie Medical Center and treated for a lip laceration and knee and shoulder injuries. The sergeant was also transported to Guthrie Medical Center and treated for head and face abrasions and a fractured metacarpal bone in his hand. The third injured officer was treated at the facility for forearm abrasions and knee pain, and he remained on duty.

The 34-year-old inmate is currently serving a 12 to 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of second-degree arson and second-degree assault in Erie County in 2017. After the attack, he was transferred to Five Points Correctional Facility.