COLLINS, N.Y. — Six corrections officers were injured after an inmate charged out of his cell and attacked them, according to the union.
The incident happened on July 11 at Collins Correctional Facility while an officer was conducting security rounds and noticed the inmate had covered the window of his cell door. After making several verbal attempts to contact the inmate, a response team was initiated and additional staff responded to the cell, according to NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
Once the cell door opened, the inmate rushed out of the cell and “violently attacked responding officers in an apparent attempt to fight his way free.” The inmate then repeatedly threw punches at staff, striking several officers.
In an effort to gain compliance, staff administered OC spray several times, but the inmate continued the attack, the union said. Staff then brought the inmate to the ground utilizing body holds.
While on the ground, the inmate continued to punch and kick officers until staff secured him in handcuffs and leg restraints, the union said.
Six corrections officers were eventually transported to a hospital following the attack for further evaluation. Their injuries included a broken nose, facial injuries, and injuries to their arms, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders.
The inmate, a 31-year-old, is currently serving a sentence for first- and second-degree assault after being convicted in 2023 for a gang attack on a rival gang while incarcerated at Rikers Island, as well as first- and second-degree robbery.
“These are the dangerous and unpredictable conditions our members face every day. A routine security round can turn into a violent confrontation in seconds. Our officers responded professionally, used the appropriate amount of force necessary to bring the situation under control, and prevented what could have been an even more serious incident. Every assault on a correction officer must be met with swift and meaningful criminal prosecution. Our members deserve to know that those who attack them will be held fully accountable, especially when attempting to help the inmates themselves as we continue to perform one of the most difficult jobs in New York State,” Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region vice president, said in a statement.
