STILLWATER, Minn. — Two corrections officers were injured after officials said inmates attacked them Saturday morning at the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)-Stillwater.
Around 11:30 a.m., officials said an incarcerated person attacked a corrections officer at a housing unit security post. As the assault happened, another inmate and a second corrections officer tried to intervene.
Officials said at that point, another prisoner jumped in and assaulted the second officer.
“This attack on correctional officers at the Stillwater correctional facility is another unfortunate reminder of the challenges and risks corrections staff face,” said Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell. “We will pursue prosecution of the perpetrators of these cowardly attacks to the fullest extent of the law, and we recognize and appreciate the honorable actions of the incarcerated man who courageously intervened."
Sunday morning, the Stillwater prison was still on lockdown; officials said it would remain so while the investigation is underway. Officials will submit the results of their findings to the Washington County Attorney’s Office for consideration of felony-level charges of Assault on a Corrections Officer when it is complete.
“Our union calls on the Minnesota Department of Corrections and any other relevant authorities to continue to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, including credible reports that this attack was deliberate and planned," said AFSCME Council 5 Executive Director Bart Andersen on behalf of the union representing the state correctional officers. "Our correctional officers and staff risk their lives every day to maintain order and security within the walls of our correctional facilities to ensure offenders have a secure place to rehabilitate, and our staff have the undeniable right to work in an environment where their safety remains a top priority."
The two inmates who attacked officers were taken to MCF-Oak Park Heights, the state’s maximum-security prison, officials said.
The Department of Corrections said the two officers sustained minor injuries and were released from the hospital after treatment.
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