By C1 Staff
HAMILTON, Ontario — A union rep said an inmate deliberately set a jail fire Friday in an effort to attack corrections officers.
Local union President Stephen Smith told the Hamilton Spectator the inmate was recently transferred to Barton Street Jail after setting a fire at a different prison.
“He sets fires so the corrections officers will jump in to help and then attacks them; that’s what he did in London, and that’s what he did here,” Smith said.
COs said the inmate attempted to punch, kick and bite correctional staff when they responded.
Smith told the publication the fire was put out quickly, but the smoke overtook the facility sending 12 officers, two managers and five inmates to the hospital. They were treated for smoke inhalation and released.
He said the quick response from corrections staff prevented a bigger tragedy.
The inmate tried to set another fire Monday morning, but officials stopped him before he could start it.