Two separate attacks send two officers to local hospital
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2023
Attica, NY – Multiple staff were injured at Attica Correctional Facility in two separate attacks that
sent two officers to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries.
The first attack occurred on Wednesday, January 25th. A gate was being opened to accommodate
inmate movement when an inmate aggressively pushed the gate open and turned around and
struck the officer who was working the gate in the face. A second officer, who was nearby
responded. The inmate attempted to retreat back through the gate and was grabbed by staff in
a body hold. The inmate continued to violently fight with several officers who were attempting
to subdue him and get him to the ground. After struggling with the inmate for several minutes,
staff were able to get the inmate on the ground. He continued to violently fight with officers on
the ground. OC spray was administered with no effect.
After struggling with the inmate, staff was able to contain his legs and arms and apply
handcuffs. Once in handcuffs, the inmate was removed from the area and brought to medical
for evaluation.
Five officers were injured in the attack. The officer who was initially punched in the face
sustained face and ear pain, dizziness, blurred vision and a headache. She was transported to a
local hospital for treatment. An officer who responded to the incident sustained knee and elbow
injuries and was also transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Three additional officers sustained injuries subduing the inmate and getting him
handcuffed. They sustained knee, arm, and hand injuries. They were treated by facility medical
staff and remained on duty.
The inmate, 40, is serving 50 years to life sentence after being convicted in Nassau County for
Murder 1st and Attempted Murder 2nd. He was arrested in 2017 in connection with the murder
of his mother, sister and sister’s friend.
The second incident occurred on Thursday, February 16th. Two officers were conducting the
inmate count in a cell block when they approached the cell of one inmate and noticed the inmate
had a braided bed sheet that appeared to be tied around his neck on one end and tied to the cell
bars on the other end. Initially, the inmate began to slouch down giving the appearance that the
sheet was tightening around his neck. The cell door was opened, and four officers entered the
cell in an emergency medical response. When they entered, they realized the inmate had staged
the suicide attempt so he could get staff into the cell and attack them. He turned and punched
one officer twice in the shoulder. The inmate was grabbed in a body hold by the officers and was
forced onto his bed. Still struggling with officers, handcuffs were able to be applied.
Once in handcuffs, the inmate became compliant, and he was removed from the cell.
Two officers were injured in the incident. One officer had pain and swelling to his wrist. The
officer who was punched, sustained shoulder and chest pain. Both officers were treated by
facility medical staff and remained on duty.
“Two months into the new year and assaults on staff are occurring at a similar pace to last year,
which set a record for the number of assaults on staff. Seven more officers will be added to that
growing list. These attacks by inmates continue, this time sending a female officer to the hospital.
Thankfully none of the other officers sustained serious injuries but there is no guarantee that the
next assault on staff isn’t going to result in one of our members getting killed. All this is occurring
while certain members of the State Legislature sit idly by and does nothing to address the ongoing violence caused by the HALT Act. Their silence speaks volumes to the men and women who
don those uniforms and put their health and safety on the line every day.” – stated, Kenny Gold,
NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President