An incident earlier this month at Upstate Correctional Facility in Franklin County left seven corrections officers and a lieutenant injured.
According to NYSCOPBA, the union representing corrections officers, the incident occurred on August 2 when an officer directed five inmates to perform their work duties at a facility building. After the inmates began arguing with the officer, he attempted to call for backup on his radio. He was then surrounded as one inmate struck him in the face. The officer grabbed the inmate and put him in a body hold before a second began striking the officer in the arm and chest.
A civilian staff member was able to alert staff with her personal alarm and a facility telephone. Four of the inmates ran off with one running to the loading dock.
The one who was being held in the body was placed in handcuffs.
Officers then approached the inmate who ran to the loading dock. He was ordered to place his hands on the wall but attempted to elbow officers when staff approached him. He was eventually placed in handcuffs.
While being transported to the infirmary, the first inmate involved in the attack became combative and had to be forced into the infirmary by the officers escorting him.
The five inmates were placed in Special Housing Units pending disciplinary charges.
All injured staff were treated by medical staff at the facility. Due to injuries and blood exposure, four officers and the lieutenant were taken to Alice Hyde Medical Center for further treatment. Two officers sustained hand and back injuries but were treated at the facility and remained on duty.
The officer who was originally assaulted was also taken to the hospital for an abrasion and swelling to his eye. Following treatment, he returned to duty.
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