New York Post
NEW YORK — More than a dozen Rikers officers were hurt in a wild jailhouse brawl triggered by the refusal of some prisoners to go back into their cells.
Correction Department spokesman Stephen Morello said two captains were among 13 correction officers injured when they went up against roughly 20 inmates Saturday night. One needed 20 stitches.
The rumble began at 11 p.m., when inmates who are let out of their cells must return for the night.
“A few inmates were encouraging others not to lock in,” Morello said. “So we sent a response team to maintain order and get inmates locked in.”
But when the team of officers arrived, some defiant inmates pounced, still seething over a routine search of cells earlier in the day, a law-enforcement source told The Post.
A short and furious fight ensued at the George R. Vierno Center, where 48 high-risk inmates were being held awaiting trial.
“This was not a prolonged battle,” the source said. “Officers used defense holds and used defensive spray to get them handcuffed and back into their cells.”
Morello insisted that order was restored within minutes - but damage was considerable. Two captains and 11 officers were taken to New York Hospital Queens.
The most serious injury was a captain who had face and head wounds. The rest of the officers’ injuries were described as bumps, bruises and small cuts.
Three inmates also had minor injuries, including a broken hand and a fractured wrist.
“Officers responded quickly, responded very well and utilized all their training skills and equipment,” Morello said.
Authorities said they were still trying to sort out exactly how many of the approximate 20 inmates milling about the scene were actually involved in the assaults.
They pointed out that the sudden resistance to cell searches was inexplicable, as they have always been a routine at the jail. And they said the 11 p.m. lights-out rule is also longstanding.
Charges were expected to be filed against inmates implicated in the clash, Morello said.
Copyright 2010 New York Post