New York State Prison on Lockdown After Inmate Attack on Guards

A New York state prison was placed on lockdown after inmates attacked and injured three guards, amidst reported staffing shortages.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirmed that the Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County went on lockdown following an early morning incident on Wednesday, as reported by the Albany Times Union.

The incident took place around 1 a.m. when inmates took over three dormitory areas, leading to staff being removed, according to a union representative for the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.

In the course of the situation, two cell phones were recovered, indicating the use of force was involved. Other inmates reportedly became agitated and attempted to check on the inmate with the phones, which escalated the altercation.

However, facility staff and supervisors managed to deescalate the situation, allowing the inmates to return to their designated spaces.

Thanks to the effective management of potential threats, staff exited three dorms without incident, and no hostages were taken. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among inmates.

According to a statement from the agency, "The Collins Correctional Facility has been locked down for the safety and security of the staff and incarcerated population. All staff and incarcerated individuals are accounted for and safe."

Kenny Gold, vice president of the Western Region for the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), noted that three correction officers sustained minor injuries during the incident.

The outlet also reported that Daniel Martuscello III, commissioner of the DOCCS, had issued a memo earlier in the week detailing permanent staffing changes due to “chronic shortages.”

“I need each of you to do a comprehensive review of each post, post order, duty description and identify where we can eliminate and/or realign posts and associated duties,” Martuscello wrote in a memo obtained by the outlet.

Gold expressed deep concern, stating, “Collins has been so short-staffed and screaming for help.” He highlighted how staff are often mandated to work triple shifts due to insufficient staffing levels, conveying his thoughts and prayers for everyone involved, including crisis response teams.

Past incidents at the facility have raised alarms, particularly a June incident where nine officers were injured, followed by an August occurrence that left 11 officers hospitalized after contact with a substance while assisting an inmate.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and NYSCOPBA but did not receive an immediate response.