CHESHIRE, CT — Six guards at the Cheshire Correctional Institution were injured Monday night by a combative male inmate, according to the state Department of Correction.
Andrius Banevicius, the department’s public information officer, said the incident began Monday around 8:50 p.m., following the discovery of contraband in the inmate’s cell.
The inmate approached the officer’s station in the housing unit and immediately began to throw closed fist strikes at the two officers who were stationed there, hitting them in the face, according to Banevicius.
Additional staff responded to help, and the inmate continued his combative behavior toward them until he was safely secured, Banevicius said.
Six people, all correctional officers, sustained injuries. Four of them were taken via a facility vehicle to a hospital for treatment. The two others decided to remain on duty, according to the department.
The Connecticut State Police are investigating the incident.
Officials did not identify the inmate as of Tuesday, citing an active investigation.
Interim Commissioner Sharonda Carlos said her thoughts are with the injured officers and their families.
“I pray for their swift and full recovery,” Carlos said. “We are conducting a thorough review of the incident to minimize the chances for a reoccurrence.”
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