Two correctional officers were injured in an assault by inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta Saturday morning, officials said.
Vance Bryant, local president of the Council of Prison Locals union, said two inmates assaulted the two officers shortly after 6 a.m. He said they were in a pretrial/holdover housing unit when the incident occurred.
Bryant said the incident occurred while inmates were released from their cells for morning recreation. He said it began as a verbal confrontation before an inmate punched one officer in the face.
Both officers were later treated at a local hospital. Bryant said one suffered an injury to his left hand and is wearing a cast, and his left eye was swollen shut. He said the other officer suffered abrasions around his face, head, neck and hands.
Bryant said the inmates were sprayed with pepper spray but continued to assault the officers. Other staff members arrived and helped restrain the inmates, he said.
Bryant said two other staff members received minor injuries during the incident. He said the prison was placed on limited operational status and inmates were returned to their housing units. The FBI was notified of the incident.
A prison spokesman confirmed two detention officers were assaulted but provided few other details.
“At this time, all inmates at the [penitentiary] and its Detention Center Units are on a lock down status and the institution is secure,” Johnny Butts said in an emailed statement. “This situation is ongoing and under investigation by prison authorities.”
The U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta is located at 601 McDonough Blvd. SE, about two miles south of Zoo Atlanta. It houses about 2,430 male prisoners.
About the Author
