RIKERS ISLAND — An inmate at a Rikers Island jail assaulted a guard Thursday after refusing to be handcuffed, a Department of Correction official said.
The officer was trying to restrain the inmate about 2:09 p.m., according to the DOC. When more officers responded, two additional inmates joined in the fight before being subdued and handcuffed, officials said.
A total of eight guards were involved in the incident, DOC officials said. All of them were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated for bruises, pain and swelling.
The FDNY said it took one officer to Mount Sinai of Queens with a hand injury.
It was not immediately clear where the attack occurred.
“These assaults on our officers were unacceptable. We have zero tolerance for assaults on staff and are deeply committed to creating a culture of safety at the Department of Correction," said DOC Commissioner Joseph Ponte.
"These inmates will be arrested and will face serious charges. An investigation is ongoing.”
