(Lincoln, NE) -- Nearly a half dozen prison staffers are injured in an assault at Lincoln's Reception and Treatment Center.
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says on Wednesday, three inmates assaulted multiple staff members at the RTC today, causing potentially serious injuries. NDCS says five staff members went to the hospital for, "Treatment consistent with stabbings, utilizing manufactured weapons, plus injuries from being kicked and punched."
NDCS says based on their preliminary information, the inmates who carried out the assaults were intoxicated and were being directed by staff members. Prison leaders say the inmates then responded by assaulting the team members. In total, NDCS says seven staff members were transported for medical care, including two who were injured when they responded to the scene. They were not physically assaulted.
The unit where the incident occurred is one of two high security, maximum custody units at RTC and prison leaders say three weapons have been recovered. “The injured team members were primarily concerned with the well-being of their co-workers, which is indicative of the commitment they have to each other,” said Warden Taggart Boyd. “Staff responded quickly and contained the situation within minutes.”
“Violence toward staff members will not be tolerated,” said Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys. “Those who choose to perpetrate these acts will be dealt with accordingly, which includes internal discipline, risk mitigation and the judicial system.”
NDCS says while the injuries were serious, none are considered to be life-threatening. The Nebraska State Patrol is overseeing the investigation. Findings will be presented to the county attorney for determination of criminal prosecution.