Inmates Attack and Injure 3 Groveland Corrections Officers

SONYEA –  A corrections officer at Groveland Correctional Facility was allegedly attacked and injured by two inmates on Saturday, Dec. 23.

According to a press release from the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Officers Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), a corrections officer was conducting a routine search of an inmate’s dorm cubicle at about 11 a.m. when the inmate came in, ‘refused to follow repeated orders to leave the area, approached the officer and, unprovoked, punched him in the face with a closed fist.’ The officer ‘began to struggle with the
inmate and was struck in the face a second time.’ Moments later, a second inmate entered the cube and ‘began to attack the officer, striking the officer several times in the face and head.’

“It is unfortunate as we come to the end of the 2017 that this latest attack symbolizes what our members have faced for the past several years across the state in our prisons – a violent and aggressive inmate who show no reluctance to attacking staff at any given time,” said Joe Miano, NYSCOPBA
Western Region Vice President. “As assaults on staff continue at record numbers, there is no level of discipline that exists to deter inmates from unprovoked attacks.”

A second officer heard the altercation and ran to assist the officer. With the help of additional staff, the assisting officer was able to get the second inmate under control and into mechanical restraints. The officer who was initially attacked was eventually able to get the first inmate under control and into restraints.

Three officers were treated by medical staff at the facility and were transported to a local hospital for additional treatment.

The officer who was initially attacked was treated for a laceration over his left eye, laceration to his chest, and a bloody nose and lip. He was treated and released from the hospital. The two other officers were treated and released for minor injuries sustained during the struggle.

The three officers did not return to duty.

The two inmates involved were transferred to Attica Correctional Facility following the incident. They face internal disciplinary charges and will face criminal charges in court at a later date.