FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (19-49)

CONTACT Erika Hill, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | erika.hill@nebraska.gov

September 3, 2019 (Lincoln, Neb.) – An inmate assaulted three staff members at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on Monday, September 2, 2019. One person received a serious* injury and was treated at the hospital as a result.

The incident occurred just before 8:00 a.m. inside the dining hall. A staff member, standing by the serving line, was punched in the head by the inmate multiple times. Two other staff members received minor injuries while trying to secure the inmate. Despite multiple directives to stop, the inmate continued to physically resist and became verbally aggressive, even after being placed in restraints.

The staff member who was hit went to the hospital and was treated for a cut under the eye. The other staff members did not need medical assistance.

The incident will be investigated with findings provided to the county attorney for determination of criminal prosecution. The NDCS disciplinary process will be utilized with sanctions, such as loss of good time, applied according to the rules and regulations.

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*Assaults with serious injury: A serious injury requires urgent and immediate medical treatment and restricts the person’s usual activity. Medical treatment should be more extensive than mere first aid, such as the application of bandages to wounds. It might include stitches, use of Dermabond or other topical adhesive, setting of broken bones, treatment of concussion, loss of consciousness, etc.