FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (20-197)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Chief of Staff

OFFICE 402-479-5713 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

October 30, 2020 (Tecumseh, Neb.) – An inmate assaulted a staff member at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution (TSCI) on Thursday, October 29, 2020, resulting in serious* injuries.  

The assault happened after the staff member had given the inmate multiple directives to return to his housing unit and to stop blocking the doorway. He refused. The inmate punched the staff member multiple times, knocking her to the ground. Additional personnel responded to the scene. One deployed chemicals (oleoresin capsicum) in order to stop the attack. Soon after, the inmate was placed in restraints.

The housing area where the assault occurred was placed on modified operations while the  investigation into the incident continued. The staff person was treated at a local hospital for her injuries.

Results of the investigation will be 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.

*Modified operations is defined as, actions taken to more closely control movement of inmates within a facility due to safety and security needs. Can include confinement in cells of a portion of the inmate population, cancellation of program/work activities, and direct escort of certain inmates – as determined by the warden/designee.