WALLKILL – An officer was injured after an inmate suddenly attacked him and struck him several times in the head while the officer was conducting a search of the inmate’s cell at the maximum security Shawangunk Correctional Facility, the officers’ union, the New York State Corrections Officers and PBA, reported on Friday.
On Friday, October 22, the officer was conducting a routine search of the inmate’s cell when the inmate became belligerent and combative after the officer confiscated an altered A/C adapter.
The officer ordered the inmate away from the cell, which the inmate ignored. Suddenly, the inmate charged the officer and grabbed him by the neck and head and threw him out of his cell. The officer called for a response and administered OC Spray, which was not effective. The officer attempted to administer a second application of OC Spray, but the inmate picked up his cell television and used it to shield himself from the spray.
The inmate put the television down, walked out of the cell, and charged the officer, knocking him to the ground. While on the ground, the inmate struck the officer several times. The officer was able to get to his feet and defend himself. The inmate became compliant when he observed the response team arrive.
He was placed in handcuffs and removed from the scene.
The officer was treated by facility medical staff for a two-inch laceration to the back of his head, abrasions and swelling to his neck, shoulder, elbow and forearm. He was taken to an outside hospital for further treatment after he developed nausea and dizziness. He did not return to duty.
The inmate, 57, is serving a 20 year to life sentence after being convicted in 1993 on two counts of first-degree rape, robbery, and burglary.
He was placed in a Special Housing Unit pending disciplinary charges.
“This most recent vicious, unprovoked attack involves an inmate who is eligible for parole in January of 2022. I sincerely hope that the Parole Board considers the violent nature of his original crimes and this attack on one of our members. He clearly has not been rehabilitated,” said NYSCOPBA regional Vice President Chris Moreau. “In addition, I would encourage the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office to review this case and seriously consider filing felony assault charges. With a completely gutted disciplinary system, this is one of the only ways left to send a message to inmates who attack staff that this will not be tolerated.”
