By Kristi Miller
Pioneer Press
RUSH CITY, Minn. — A Minnesota Department of Corrections — Rush City inmate stabbed at least one guard and injured three others, officials said Sunday.
All four were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The stabbed officer remains hospitalized and is being treated for a non-life threatening injury. Officials said he is expected to fully recover.
Officials said that about 3:20 p.m. Saturday, staff were conducting routine cell searches when they found homemade alcohol, known as “hooch.” When they approached the incarcerated person who had the hooch, he stabbed one correctional officer with a “shank,” a makeshift weapon.
That officer received a puncture wound. Three other officers who subdued and restrained the person were also injured.
After the attack, the prison was put on lockdown. The man who authorities allege had the alcohol and assaulted the officers is being transferred to the state Department of Corrections maximum security facility in Oak Park Heights. The area where the assault occurred will remain on lockdown through the weekend, officials said.
The man who allegedly assaulted the officers is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. The incident is being investigated by the DOC’s office of special investigations, which will forward its finding to the Chisago County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of felony assault charges, officials said.
“This senseless act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers correctional staff face every day in service to public safety,” said Paul Schnell, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. “We are grateful for the swift and courageous actions of our staff, and we are providing them the care and support they need. We will pursue every available remedy to hold the assailant accountable for this cowardly attack.”
How can a single corrections officer overcome multiple attackers? The video below discusses 12 recommendations COs can take in the event of an attack.
Bart Andersen, executive director of the AFSCME Council 5 union that represents the officers, said in a statement Sunday, “The brutal attack last night that sent multiple Correctional Officers and staff at MCF–Rush City to the hospital is yet another reminder of the dangers our union members face every day inside our correctional and secure facilities. … These are not isolated incidents — they are part of a disturbing and repeated pattern that must come to an end now.”
He said the union will “ensure those who commit these acts are held fully accountable, including the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of their shift — we will fight for nothing less.”
Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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