By Corrections1 Staff
STORMVILLE, N.Y. — Union officials said five corrections officers are recovering after being attacked by an inmate at a New York prison.
The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that the officers were assaulted Tuesday by an inmate at the Green Haven Correctional Facility. The union representing the officers, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, said the COs have yet to return to work since the attack.
When ordered to his cell, the inmate reportedly charged at an officer and punched her in the face several times, which knocked her unconscious momentarily. The union said a second officer, who radioed for help, was then struck by the inmate several times in the face.
A third officer was placed in a bear hug and head-butted in the face. The CO managed to take the inmate to the ground as two other officers responded. The inmate continued to fight before being subdued by pepper spray.
The CO who was knocked unconscious suffered several injuries, including a swollen and bloody nose. The other COs were treated for injuries including abrasions and torn hand ligaments.
A spokesman for the state Department of Corrections and Community supervision said in a statement that the incident is being investigated.
“The department has zero tolerance for violence within the facilities and anyone engaged in misconduct will be disciplined within the facility and, if warranted, the incident will be referred for outside prosecution,” the statement read.