Nebraska Department of Corrections officials say five staff members at the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln were assaulted by three inmates on Wednesday, resulting in potentially serious injuries.
A department spokesperson says the staff members went to the hospital for treatment consistent with stabbings from manufactured weapons, plus injuries from being kicked and punched.
“Based on preliminary information, the inmates who carried out the assaults were intoxicated and were being directed by staff members. The inmates responded by assaulting the team members,” the Department of Correctional Services said in a statement. “In all, seven staff members were transported for medical care, including two who were injured when they responded to the scene. They were not physically assaulted.”
“Violence toward staff members will not be tolerated,” says Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys. “Those who choose to perpetrate these acts will be dealt with accordingly, which includes internal discipline and the judicial system.”
While the injuries were serious, none are considered to be life-threatening. The Nebraska State Patrol is overseeing the investigation. The unit where the incident occurred is one of two high security, maximum custody units at RTC. Three weapons were recovered.