The Delaware Department of Correction is investigating an assault on two correctional officers at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, according to multiple sources familiar with the incident.
Sources tell FSU that two officers were doing their rounds in the C-Wing of the prison where they encountered a 22-year-old inmate. The inmate reportedly approached the officers and placed a tablet on a table. As one of the officers goes to grab the tablet the inmate allegedly begins striking the officer with a “lock in a sock” (a padlock in a sock) weapon repeatedly.
The second officer reportedly then grabs the inmate and pins him against the wall as the wounded officer backs off. After regaining his composure the first officer gets back into the fight and comes to the assistance of his partner, who now fighting the inmate on the ground. The first officer pepper sprays the inmate twice before backup shows up and placed the inmate in cuffs.
We’re told that the first officer was bleeding from the head and was transported to Kent General Hospital for treatment. No word on the second officer’s injuries.
The inmate is reportedly facing multiple charges stemming from the incident.
An email to the Department of Corrections Friday morning went unanswered.