By C1 Staff
MANNINGTON TWP. — Three corrections officers were injured trying to restrain an inmate who refused to obey orders, at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
According to NJ.com, CO Eric Perez suffered cuts and bruises and was taken to a hospital for treatment. He is still out of work due to his injuries.
Officers Adam Craner and Bohdan Sobkiw were also assaulted but are already back on duty.
The incident took place after inmate Rasheem T. Kelly refused an order given to him by CO Perez. The officer then called for backup, at which time Kelly began to strike him.
A second inmate attempted to help CO Perez, but was also attacked by a third inmate.
Kelly was charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a corrections officer.
“This assault confirms the dangers that are faced by corrections officers on a daily basis,” County Sheriff Chuck Miller said. “The sheriff’s office provides the necessary tools and training for these officers to perform their duties, however, at any given time, without any warning, they could become the target.
“I am proud of the dedicated men and woman who haven chosen this as a career and thank them all for ... risking their own lives in protecting the residents of this county.”