HUDSON – A 26-year-old state inmate, who is serving a seven-year sentence for armed assault, attempted to escape from the Columbia County Courthouse during the sentencing proceeding in a murder case that occurred in Columbia County.
The incident that occurred on Friday, June 10, was reported by the New York State Corrections Officers PBA, the union that represents state corrections officers.
The inmate was transferred from Shawangunk Correctional Facility for the court proceeding in the 2017 shooting death of a man.
During the sentencing, the inmate’s handcuffs were removed and as the verdict was read, he stood up and shoved one of the corrections officers next to him, knocking the officer back into his chair.
The inmate ran to the door with two corrections officers getting him in a body hold and force him to the floor. The inmate continued to struggle until a Hudson City Police detective and Columbia County deputy assisted the COs in reapplying handcuffs.
The inmate then became compliant and was taken to a holding cell in the courthouse, where additional security was provided, and he was returned to the courtroom for sentencing.
He was then transferred to Green Haven Correctional Facility and placed in a special housing unit.
Both corrections officers sustained minor injuries in the escape attempt, were treated by medical staff at the prison and remained on duty.
Prior to the murder conviction, the inmate was serving a seven-year sentence in connection with a 2018 Albany shooting.
NYSCOPBA Mid-Hudson Region Vice President Chris Moreau said the officers deserve recognition for resolving last Friday’s incident.
