An officer at Marcy Correctional Facility was injured earlier this month after being attacked by an inmate who became combative when ordered to stop running inside the medium-security prison.
According to the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the incident happened on October 3, when a 26-year-old inmate ran past an officer on the facility’s walkway. When the officer ordered him to stop, the inmate allegedly lunged at him with a closed fist, knocking the officer backward.
The officer tried to restrain the inmate, who broke free and continued to fight. Officials say the officer used OC spray, which had no effect, and the inmate charged again, striking the officer in the face. A second officer eventually arrived to assist, and together they brought the inmate under control and placed him in handcuffs.
The injured officer suffered bruising and abrasions to his face, hands, and knees. He was treated by the facility’s medical staff and remained on duty.
The inmate, who was convicted in Chautauqua County in 2023 of criminal possession of a controlled substance and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, is serving a five-year sentence.
NYSCOPBA Central Region Vice President Bryan Hluska said the inmate is eligible for a parole hearing next spring, and called for prosecution of the assault to send a message that attacks on staff will not be tolerated.
“Without any real discipline left in prisons because of HALT, successfully prosecuting anyone who attacks and injures staff for felony assault would make inmates think twice about doing it in the future,” Hluska said.
