A maximum-security correctional facility saw four separate incidents last week where inmates threw bodily fluids, striking multiple staff members.
The first happened on Saturday, January 17, when an officer on security rounds was hit in the back with a urine-smelling liquid thrown through cell bars. When the inmate refused to comply with orders, he started a small fire in his cell. An extraction team was called in, and the inmate was eventually restrained and handcuffed. Two officers were treated for exposure and later taken to Auburn Community Hospital for further evaluation.
Later that same day, an inmate sprayed another inmate with liquid in the main yard, leading to a fight. Responding officers were struck with a feces- and urine-smelling liquid during the altercation. OC spray was used to gain control, and the officers were treated at the facility before being transported to Auburn Community Hospital. They did not return to duty.
On Saturday, January 24, an officer was hit in the head and upper body with a urine-smelling liquid from an inmate’s cup. The officer was treated at the facility and stayed on duty. The next day, another officer was struck in the face and eyes with a similar liquid and was sent to Auburn Community Hospital for further care. He did not return to duty.
In a separate incident, staff recovered liquid-stained paper believed to contain synthetic drugs during a routine frisk. Additional drug-soaked paper was found on the inmate during a follow-up search, and he spat in an officer’s face while being secured. All suspected drugs were confiscated.
Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President, said these incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns in prisons. “Weak disciplinary systems and a lack of meaningful consequences often lead to continued misconduct,” he said. “Until lawmakers seriously address these issues, staff and rule-abiding inmates will remain at risk.”
