One Massive Inmate Fight Occurs in Yard, Weapons Recovered
For Immediate Release
April 14, 2026
DANNEMORA , NY — Eight officers were injured in a six-day period at the maximum-security prison, including two who required additional treatment at a local hospital. The injuries stemmed from five separate incidents, one of which involved a violent inmate-on-inmate altercation in the recreation yard involving over two dozen inmates.
The first incident occurred on March 30 when an officer noticed an inmate stumbling down the cell block, appearing intoxicated. As staff attempted to escort the inmate back to his cell, he grabbed the cell bars and refused to release them. When staff tried to remove his hands from the bars, the inmate swung an elbow and punched one of the officers in the face. The officer immediately sustained facial swelling and knee injuries. A second officer also injured their knee while subduing the combative inmate. Both officers were transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for further treatment.
Later that day, another officer, while securing medication distribution, observed a second inmate on the floor showing signs of intoxication. As staff attempted to remove him, the inmate became aggressive and elbowed an officer in the face. The officer sustained knee and shoulder pain but remained on duty after being treated at the facility. During the inmate’s escort off the block, he attempted to headbutt an officer but was subdued. He was placed in leg restraints and transported to the infirmary for observation.
On April 4, an officer conducting security rounds at the facility hospital was kicked in the head by one of two intoxicated inmates. The officer was treated for hand, arm, and shoulder injuries at the facility and remained on duty. During a search of the area, staff discovered a piece of paper suspected to be soaked in drugs.
Later that same day, a violent inmate-on-inmate fight broke out in the recreation yard involving 28 inmates. Despite multiple chemical agent deployments, the fighting continued, and a fifth round of chemical agents was needed to stop the violence. The inmates were escorted to the mess hall, where one spit on an officer. During the search of the yard, staff recovered two weapons, which were placed into evidence. No officers were injured in the altercation.
On April 5, another violent incident took place in the mess hall when an inmate suddenly began making stabbing motions toward another inmate. The fight quickly escalated to involve a dozen inmates. Several rounds of OC spray were used to subdue the combatants. After the incident was under control, a search of the mess hall uncovered two sharpened metal shanks, a sharpened toothbrush, and a ceramic blade. The inmate who had been stabbed required medical treatment at an outside hospital for several puncture wounds to his back.
“These are the daily realities our officers face, yet they continue to perform their duties with professionalism and commitment,” said John Roberts, Northern Region Vice President. “Thankfully, the officers were not severely injured, but we know that is not always the case. This situation is a direct result of failed criminal justice policies enacted by the State Legislature. Progressive state lawmakers often fail to acknowledge the dangers correctional officers face, focusing instead on inmates and neglecting the safety and needs of those who protect them.”