ROMULUS, N.Y. — Five correction officers were injured, including one who was cut with a broken razor blade, during a confrontation with an inmate at Five Points Correctional Facility, a correction officers’ union said.
The Sept. 12 incident began when an officer ordered a 37-year-old inmate to secure the recreation area attached to his cell, according to a statement from the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
The inmate walked to the back of the cell and refused to comply, the union said. After the cell door was opened, an officer carrying a protective shield entered with additional officers behind him.
The inmate advanced toward staff and began making slashing motions, prompting officers to place him in a body hold and force him to the floor, according to the statement.
While on the floor, the inmate continued resisting and spat at officers, leading staff to place a spit net over his head. He then wrapped his legs around another officer’s legs and attempted to pull him to the floor, the union said.
Officers broke the inmate’s grip, secured his hands behind his back and escorted him from the cell. He remained combative and was placed in a secure room.
One officer suffered injuries to his left eyebrow and forearm, along with a roughly 2-inch cut to his forearm and a 6-inch cut along the right side of his rib area. He was taken to Cayuga Medical Center for treatment.
Four other officers suffered shoulder and hand injuries, as well as abrasions to their hands and knees. Two were also transported to the hospital.
During a search of the inmate’s cell, officers recovered a weighted sock containing three bars of soap and a broken state-issued razor blade. Staff believe the razor blade was used to cut the officer, according to the union.
The assault followed two separate inmate fights that injured two officers at the facility on Sept. 9.
In the first incident, two inmates began exchanging punches during a morning meal and ignored repeated orders to stop. An officer attempted to separate them before additional staff responded and deployed OC spray four times without effect, the union said.
Officers then used body holds to separate the inmates. One was handcuffed and became compliant. The second continued resisting and was removed from the mess hall by two officers and a National Guardsman before being handcuffed.
A second fight began in another mess hall when two inmates exchanged punches and a third inmate joined them. OC spray stopped one inmate, while officers and a National Guardsman separated and handcuffed the other two.
Two officers reported lower back, facial and knee pain following the fights. Both were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty.
“These incidents are another reminder of the dangers correction officers face every day,” NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold said.
Gold said staff responded professionally and used appropriate measures to gain control despite being assaulted and injured.
