FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (18-28)

CONTACT Laura Strimple, Communications Director

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | laura.strimple@nebraska.gov

October 5, 2018 (LINCOLN, Neb.) Two separate inmate assaults have resulted in serious* injuries to staff members at the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP).

The first occurred on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. Staff members were called to respond to an unruly inmate who was trying to open a secure door. The inmate refused commands to stop and assaulted the officers as they were attempting to restrain him. One staff member was treated at the hospital for a fractured thumb. Injuries to two other staff members were not serious.

The second situation happened Wednesday evening, October 3, 2018. An inmate was entering his assigned living unit followed by a staff member. As the staff member took hold of the door, the inmate kicked the door forcefully, breaking the staff member’s finger, requiring stitches.

Both incidents 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 skin adhesive, setting of broken bones, treatment of concussion, loss of consciousness, etc.