Officer and Sergeant Transported to Hospital for Injuries
For Immediate Release/Press release/NYSCOPBA
July 2, 2021
Attica , NY – An inmate, who was possibly intoxicated on a unknown substance, injured seven officers and a sergeant when he repeatedly attacked them as they attempted to get him medical aid at the maximum security facility.
On Friday, June 18, an officer conducting a medical escort in a cell block noticed an inmate at his cell door and he appeared to be intoxicated. The officer approached the cell door to check on the inmate. He quickly turned his head to alert medical staff when the inmate reached through the cell bars and poked the officer in the eye.
The officer called for a response. Additional staff responded, opened the cell door and entered the cell. The inmate immediately attempted to punch several officers, but was unsuccessful. He was contained and placed in handcuffs and escorted to the infirmary for evaluation. At the infirmary, he was placed in a wheelchair as he continued to refuse staff orders. In the wheelchair and still combative, he attempted to kick a nurse and lunged at staff.
Staff escorted him to a hospital room at the infirmary. In the room, he kicked an officer in the groin. Still fighting with staff, he was placed in a hospital bed where he bit another officer on the calf.
After a brief struggle in the hospital room, the inmate became compliant and was secured in the room.
All injured staff were initially treated by medical staff at the facility. One officer sustained hip pain, knee swelling with limited range of motion and shoulder pain with limited range of motion. He was transported to Erie County Medical Center for further treatment. The sergeant was transported to the medical center for a possible thumb fracture.
Six officers sustained a variety of minor injuries while subduing the inmate.
The inmate, 29, is serving a seven year sentence after being convicted in Westchester County for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd.
He was placed in a Special Housing Unit after being treated at the infirmary. He faces disciplinary charges in the attack.
“Another day, another assault on staff. The narrative doesn’t change one bit, and will continue until DOCCs and our elected officials make the necessary policy changes to protect staff. Provide staff with meaningful tools that will deter these violent unprovoked attacks, many of which occur when staff are simply attempting to provide assistance to inmates. Our members deserve much more protection than they are currently receiving.” – stated Mark Deburgomaster, Western Region Vice President.