GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. — A correction officer suffered broken ribs, broken teeth and a concussion after two inmates attacked him inside Gouverneur Correctional Facility, according to the union representing officers.
The Aug. 26 incident began when the officer attempted to pat frisk an inmate who was acting aggressively, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said. During the encounter, a second inmate grabbed the officer from behind and repeatedly punched him in the face.
The officer was knocked to the floor and lost consciousness multiple times, according to the union. An investigation determined that the first inmate then joined the attack and struck the officer while he was down.
Responding officers used physical force and mechanical restraints to gain control of one of the inmates after he refused orders and became aggressive, NYSCOPBA said. During an escort to the infirmary, the inmate allegedly pushed backward against officers and attempted to spit on one of them.
The injured officer was initially treated by facility medical staff before being taken to a hospital. He sustained broken ribs, broken teeth, a broken nose, facial lacerations and a concussion. His left eye was swollen shut.
A second officer reported lower back pain after the incident but remained on duty. Other responding officers were evaluated and did not report injuries.
“This was a vicious and completely unacceptable attack on a correction officer who was simply doing his job,” NYSCOPBA Central Region Vice President Bryan Hluska said. “There must be real consequences for inmates who violently assault correction officers. These attacks cannot continue to be treated as simply part of the job.”
The inmates involved were not identified.
