NEWTOWN, Conn. — Two corrections officers at Garner Correctional Institute were injured after being stabbed Tuesday morning by an inmate, according to officials.
Corrections officials said at 8:25 a.m., while being escorted from one part of the facility to another, Joe Baltas, 35, of Meriden, who has been incarcerated since Oct. 26, 2006, attacked two officers - stabbing one in the neck and another in the torso with a "makeshift sharpened toothbrush."
The staff members were rushed to a local area hospital for treatment, where they were treated and released.
Baltas was immediately secured and transported to the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution’s Restrictive Housing Unit.
“As Commissioner, this is my worst fear - that our brave staff members are attacked and injured,” said Commissioner Angel Quiros. “I rushed to the hospital as soon as I learned of the assault, and thank God, they are all right.”
“This is a sobering reminder of the dangers our courageous correctional professionals face on a daily basis. We must always remain vigilant," Quiros added. "I am doubling down on my efforts to ensure the safety of these fine men and women.”
The Connecticut State Police and the Department of Correction are conducting active investigations into the incident.
According to Mike Vargo, President of AFSCME Local 1565, assaults on staff have become more and more frequent and violent in nature, almost doubling in the last three years, with 100 staff assaults in the year 2020 vs. 196 staff assaults in the year 2023.
This is a developing story; check back for more details.
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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