Corrections Department Healthcare Worker Assaulted By Incarcerated Person At Whalley Ave. Jail: Officials

NEW HAVEN, CT — Following a medical evaluation, a corrections department healthcare worker was assaulted by an incarcerated person at the New Haven Correctional Center on Whalley Avenue Tuesday, officials said.

It was around 11:35 a.m. when after the exam, the person "ran towards and struck a Department of Correction healthcare employee in the back of the head," the department said in a news release.

"The healthcare worker fell to the ground as a result of the blow," corrections officials said. "Despite the individual continuing his assaultive behavior, responding correctional staff were able to quickly secure and remove him from the area. The injured healthcare worker was taken via ambulance to a local hospital for treatment."

Officials said that additionally, "two of the responding correctional officers sustained injuries during the
incident, and were both taken to an area health clinic for treatment."

Interim Commissioner Sharonda Carlos said the incident was troubling.

"It is deeply upsetting when an employee is subject to violence while carrying out their duties, particularly an employee whose role is to provide care to those in our custody," she said. "I am grateful for the compassion, courage, and professionalism our healthcare and correctional staff exemplify, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure their safety."

The Connecticut State Police are investigating the incident.
As this is an active investigation, the identity of the incarcerated individual or the Department of Correction staff members are not being released at this time.