April 24, 2026
FROM THE NYS PRISON GUARDS UNION NYSCOPBA: On Monday, a violent incident unfolded at the medium security correctional facility when an inmate attacked a civilian teacher and multiple officers who attempted to intervene. The incident began when officers escorted a 42-year-old inmate back to his cell. Although he was handcuffed, the inmate managed to slip one hand out of the restraints. He then turned and struck the teacher, who was nearby, multiple times in the head and face. He also attempted to grab the teacher around the neck. Attempting to subdue the inmate, one officer grabbed his arm and tried to pull him away from the teacher, while a second officer assisted. During this struggle, the inmate managed to punch one of the officers in the face.
Despite being sprayed twice with OC spray by a third officer, the inmate remained combative and continued to resist. A fourth officer then grabbed the inmate’s legs, preventing him from continuing his violent actions. With assistance from additional staff, the inmate was forced against the wall and became compliant. Handcuffs were reapplied, and he was escorted for decontamination.
Medical staff evaluated all involved individuals for their injuries. The officer who was punched in the face sustained cuts to his forearm, elbow, and swelling to his jaw and face. He was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Three other officers were injured while subduing the inmate, suffering from upper and lower back pain and hip injuries. One of these officers was also sent to the hospital for additional care. The teacher sustained abrasions to his arm and swelling to his head and face and was also transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The inmate, who is serving a nine-year sentence for Attempted Assault 1st, was placed in a Special Housing Unit following the attack. He was convicted in Albany County in 2024.
Bryan Hluska, Central Region Vice President, commented on the growing issue of inmate violence: “More and more we are seeing civilian staff attacked by inmates, with officers getting injured while trying to stop these assaults. What started as a simple escort back to his cell resulted in four officers and a teacher being injured. The reality is, under the HALT Act, the punishment for this inmate—being placed in a Special Housing Unit—seems like a slap on the wrist compared to the injuries he caused. It’s baffling that these attacks are happening daily across the state, and yet the legislators who rushed the HALT Act through continue to ignore the dangerous work environment that staff face.”
