Head of union says attack on corrections officers at Souza-Baranowski prison was 'attempted murder'

Martin said the union has been asking the Department of Correction for “a debrief on the situation” but has not received any information.

“They’re just refusing to talk to us right now,” he said. “We’re going to try to tour the institution today to see how the rest of the staff is doing. … We’re just very displeased of how this agency is handling the correctional facilities.”

Prison officials on Thursday said four of the officers were treated and released from the hospital.

Officials said in a statement that the Department of Correction “has modified operations” at the prison to “ensure the safety and security of all who work and reside there.”

The department said the incarcerated men “identified to be involved in this incident” were transferred to other DOC facilities.

“Our correction officers perform an essential and difficult job. Their safety is our top priority,” said Shawn Jenkins, the interim DOC commissioner. “My thoughts are with the officers and their families at this time and the Department offers our full support to the officers as they recover from their injuries.”

“Violence against DOC staff is unacceptable, and we will take the steps necessary to ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law,” Jenkin said in a statement. “Our Department will also conduct a thorough security assessment and review of protocols to ensure the safety and security of all who work and live at our facilities.”

The stabbings were reported about 6:20 pm Wednesday at the maximum security prison off Route 2 in Lancaster, prison officials said.

The officials said two corrections officers “were assaulted by incarcerated individuals and sustained multiple stab wounds.” Three other officers were also injured while responding to the attack. The five officers were taken to nearby hospitals.

Prison officials said an investigation was underway “to determine the facts and circumstances.” A State Police Crime Scene Response Unit also responded to the facility Wednesday night. The Department of Corrections said it is conducting “a full criminal investigation” in coordination with the Worcester district attorney’s office.

Martin told reporters on Thursday that the officer who suffered a dozen stab wounds was attacked from behind. When a reporter asked if he believed the attack was premeditated, Martin responded “yes.”

“It seemed to be coordinated inside there, from the little intel we have,” Martin said. “I could see maybe an assault or somebody getting punched, but somebody getting stabbed 12 times? That’s not just to send a warning, that’s to kill somebody.”

Martin said the prison officers were conducting their “hourly rounds” in a general population unit when they were attacked.

He said the prison has seen more than 30 assaults on corrections officers and 70 weapons have been recovered in the last three months. He said those assaults include punching and kicking officers and having bodily fluids thrown at them.

Martin said the union is calling for the state to deploy “specialized units” in the prison to “shake this place down” and get rid of any weapons held by prisoners.

“We’re hoping that this is the last straw here, that they act and come forward with a comprehensive plan to make this prison safe,” he said.

This story will be updated.

Nick Stoico can be reached at [email protected].