A registered nurse suffered a fractured shoulder after being assaulted by an inmate while distributing medication at Elmira Correctional Facility earlier this month, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:12 a.m. on June 16 as the nurse, accompanied by a National Guard member, was dispensing medication through a cell door hatch.
According to the union, a 41-year-old inmate allegedly grabbed the nurse’s arm and violently pulled it into the cell. Despite repeated orders to let go, the inmate maintained his grip until the nurse, with assistance from the National Guard member, was able to free herself.
As the nurse and National Guard member exited the cell block, the inmate allegedly threw liquid from a paper cup, striking the nurse in the face, back, and body.
The nurse was taken to the facility’s infirmary, where she was treated for abrasions to her arm, swelling to her hand, and a laceration to her forearm before being transported to Guthrie Corning Hospital. Medical staff later determined she had sustained a fractured shoulder during the assault.
A facility response team made up of five correction officers and a sergeant responded to the inmate’s cell. After the inmate repeatedly refused orders to leave the cell, officers deployed chemical agents, which the union said had no effect.
Officers then entered the cell, forced the inmate onto his bed using a shield, and restrained him before escorting him out for decontamination.
During the extraction, two correction officers and a sergeant suffered injuries to their backs, knees, hips, and hands. All three were treated by facility medical staff and remained on duty.
According to the union, the inmate is serving a sentence of 20 years to life following a 2025 Monroe County conviction for second-degree robbery. The inmate had previously served a 12-year prison sentence after a 2010 conviction for first-degree robbery.
“The dangerous assaults happening on staff are disgusting; our correctional and civilian staff put their safety at risk every day they step inside our correctional facilities. Under one-party Democrat control, assaults are rising because of failed and dangerous policies. In fact, in the first three years of HALT, inmate-on-inmate assaults rose by 169%, assaults on staff rose by 76% and the amount of contraband entering prisons rose by 32%, said Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.
Following the incident, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold criticized the state’s HALT Act, arguing that the law has reduced meaningful disciplinary measures for violent inmates and increased risks for correction officers and civilian staff.
“It cannot be stated enough that the lack of meaningful discipline resulting from the HALT Act has put targets on the backs of officers and civilian staff,” Gold said. “Not only are our members being attacked, but nurses and counselors have become prey as well.”
Gold called on state lawmakers to adopt recommendations made by the HALT Act committee to improve safety inside New York’s correctional facilities.
The incident remains under review.
