Brocton, N.Y. (WBEN) - A counselor and correction officer at Lakeview Correctional Facility in Chautauqua County were sent to the hospital after a "brutal" attack by an inmate Monday, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the union that represents correction officers.
The union says a 34-year-old inmate attacked a civilian counselor inside a classroom, allegedly springing up from his chair before approaching the counselor and striking her in the face and head.
The assault continued as the guard fell and struck her head on a metal desk, injuring her jaw and neck.
Guards tried using pepper spray on the inmate. The union says the spray had no effect.
It took four officers to restrain the inmate and force him to the ground. He was later transferred to Attica Correctional Facility.
One of the guards sustained a concussion. Another suffered elbow and shoulder injuries.
NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold says the inmate "was previously involved in a four-man inmate on inmate fight on Feb. 4 inside an unrestrained classroom and was extracted from a restraint chair last Dec. 30 from a classroom and yet he keeps being let out unrestrained."
The union is using this latest instance of inmate violence to ask for changes from Albany.
"I do not know how many times we can plead with the lawmakers to allow for the use of mechanical restraints in these disciplinary units that were created after HALT was implemented. We are begging to be allowed to restrain inmates for the safety of staff and inmates alike so they can get the programs they need, yet every conversation falls on deaf ears," Gold says.
The unnamed inmate is serving a seven-year sentence for drug possession.