Six corrections officers were injured in two separate attacks at the Stillwater and Oak Park Heights prisons in recent days.
On Tuesday, two inmates at the Minnesota Correctional Institution-Oak Park Heights assaulted a correctional sergeant and two correctional officers, according to information released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. A staff member with more serious injuries was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital, where he was treated and released.
Two other staff members were taken to Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, where they were evaluated and released, according to the Department of Corrections.
On Monday, a fight broke out between several inmates at the Minnesota-Stillwater Correctional Facility in Bayport. Correctional officers intervened and were assaulted. A correctional sergeant and two correctional officers were taken to Lakeview for evaluation and released.
The Department of Corrections is investigating the assaults, and the results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Washington County District Attorney’s office for consideration of charges for assault on a correctional officer.
“Our highest priority is the safety of our staff and everyone in our facilities,” DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell said in a statement. “Those responsible for these senseless and cowardly acts of violence will be held fully accountable for their actions. These attacks are a troubling reminder of the very real risks corrections staff take in serving the public safety of all Minnesotans.”
