Minnesota Prison Guards Injured in Attack by Inmate Convicted of Murder

Rush City, MN (KROC-AM News)- Four correctional officers were injured in an attack carried out by an inmate in a Minnesota correctional facility.

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That’s according to a news release issued Sunday by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC).

Officials say the assailant is serving time for a first-degree murder conviction. All four of the injured officers had to be brought to a hospital.

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Four Minnesota Correctional Officers Taken to Hospital following Attack by Convicted Murderer in Rush City Prison

The DOC says the attack occurred at the Rush City Prison in east-central Minnesota around 3:20 Saturday afternoon.

Officers doing routine cell checks encountered the inmate and suspected him of being in possession of “hooch,” which is homemade alcohol. When the officer approached the inmate, he attacked them with a make-shift weapon, also known as a shank, the news release says.

One of the officers suffered a puncture wound and was transported to a hospital by ambulance. Officials say the officer continues to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

The three other injured officers, who subdued and restrained the inmate, were taken to a hospital by a state vehicle. They have since been treated and released, the news release says.

The inmate was transferred to the state prison in Oak Park Heights, which is a maximum security facility. Officials say the entire Rush City Prison was place on lockdown until Saturday night.

The area of the facility where the attack occurred will remain locked down for the rest of the weekend. The names of the inmate and injured guards have not been released.

“This senseless act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers correctional staff face every day in service to public safety,” said Paul Schnell, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Officials plan to provide additional updates as the investigation continues.