Authorities: Four officers hurt trying to restrain unruly inmate

WALLKILL, N.Y. » Four state correction officers were injured at the medium-security Wallkill Correctional Facility while trying to restrain an unruly inmate who had attacked one of them, according to a prison official and the union representing the officers.

On Tuesday, April 6, at about 12:15 p.m., an inmate assigned to clean the mess hall refused orders from an officer to complete his job, according to a press release from the New York State Correction Officers Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). Several times, the officer ordered the inmate to continue working and he refused, the union said.

After refusing to comply with a search for contraband, the union said, the inmate pushed the officer with his back and attempted to turn and strike the officer with his elbow. He began to struggle with the officer as a response team was called.

In a statement Friday, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirmed an incident at the prison on April 6 and said the department has “zero tolerance for violent acts in our facilities.”

According to the state agency, “an incarcerated individual who became physically aggressive with several security staff members.” The incident “was brought to an end when the correction officers were able to gain compliance.”

The department said several staff members suffered injuries. One officer did not remain on duty; three others returned to duty; and the inmate was taken to a local hospital for a “precautionary evaluation” and has since been discharged.

NYSCOPBA said three officers attempted to gain control of the inmate with body holds. The union said one officer was struck in the face with an open hand, one was kicked in the shoulder and a third was kicked in the knee. They said the inmate did not respond when pepper spray was used in an attempt to control him.

According to NYSCOPBA, the inmate is serving a 25-year sentence after being convicted in 2007 in New York County for criminal possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy.