STORMVILLE – A correction officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility sustained several puncture wounds during an attack by an inmate on Monday, October 28.
The unidentified 46-year-old prisoner is serving a 25 year to life sentence for an Onondaga County murder.
The attack at the Stormville facility occurred at around 8:10 a.m. on Monday.
The officer had directed the inmate to step out of line so he could be frisked for contraband. The inmate refused to follow the officer’s directions and took an aggressive stance.
He attacked the officer and punched him in the upper body and head.
The officer was able to take the inmate to the floor where the violent struggle continued.
Another officer arrived on the scene and administered pepper spray, which had no immediate no immediate effect.
Additional staff members arrived and were able to pin the inmate’s legs and get him into mechanical restraints.
During the attack, the officer sustained puncture wound to the neck, back and upper jaw. He was transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries, which were not considered life threatening.
During the investigation, staff located a Bic pen with blood on it near the attack. It is believed to have been the weapon used to stab the officer.
State Police continue to investigate the Green Haven incident.
“As inmate advocates continue to call for a reduction in discipline – violent inmates continue to attack our members without any real ramification. Simply put, Monday’s assault was a violent unprovoked attack by a convicted killer,” said Michael Mazzella, Mid-Hudson Regional Vice President of the New York State Corrections Offices Police Benevolent Association. “The officer was lucky that an artery wasn’t cut during the stabbing or the outcome could have been much different. I would sincerely hope that the Dutchess County District Attorney considers this attack serious enough to prosecute. Our collective voice will continue to call for the prosecution of any inmate, regardless of the length of their sentence, who violently attacks staff.”
