STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE

               INMATE ASSAULT OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

   On December 22, 4:31 p.m.,  State Police at Troop C received a complaint from the Department of Corrections that an inmate had assaulted a Correctional Officer at Northern Correctional Institute.

   State Troopers responded to the facility with Detectives from the Eastern District Major Crime Squad.  Upon arrival, Troopers learned that an assault occurred between an inmate and a correctional officer.

   The altercation occurred as the inmate was being removed from his cell for a high security risk cell check. The inmate immediately and intentionally attacked the Correctional Officerby punching him in the face and slashing him with a shank.  The inmate continued to fight until he was restrained by responding Correctional Officers.

   The injured Correctional Officer was transported via ambulance to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

   The investigation will be continuing by State Police.

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LT. J. Paul Vance