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The officer, who was assigned to the mess hall, observed an inmate leave with bulges in his front pockets and went to confront him on Thursday, Feb. 7 around 9:30 a.m., authorities said. The inmate then removed two packaged food items and threw them at the officer. He then charged her and put her in a chokehold, causing her to black out.
Staff members were able to respond quickly and use OC spray to subdue the inmate, who is serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree manslaughter after a 2014 conviction in Kings County. He was placed in mechanical restraints, removed from the scene and placed in a special housing unit.
The officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment of abrasions, pain and swelling to the knee and neck. She also received treatment for a possible contusion and was unable to return to duty.
“In 2018 the number of inmate on staff assaults reached record levels once again. This latest attack at Fishkill is another example of what is occurring on a daily basis in our correctional facilities,” said New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association Mid-Hudson Region Vice President, Michael Mazzella. "With reduced disciplinary measures and penalties, there is no real deterrent that exists to stop these brazen, unprovoked attacks. I am proud that our sister officer was able to fight off the inmate long enough for a responding officer to arrive with pepper spray. The outcome could have certainly been much different. Our statewide elected representatives must understand that weakening the disciplinary system any further will continue to put both officers and civilian staff at risk.”
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