A corrections officer was injured while intervening in a fight between two inmates at the Tompkins County Jail.
Investigators with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office say the incident occurred on January 22 during a maximum-security recreation period. Authorities report that two incarcerated individuals began arguing and appeared to be on the verge of a physical altercation when an officer stepped in to intervene. Officials say one of the inmates, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Skardinski of Dryden, threw a punch intended for the other inmate. The punch missed and instead struck the corrections officer in the face.
Despite being injured, the officer was able to de-escalate the situation and restore order, according to the sheriff’s office.
Skardinski has been charged with second-degree assault, a felony, following arraignment
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
