Inmate Charged After Assault Leaves Officer Unconscious at County Facility

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A corrections officer suffered serious injuries after being attacked by an inmate inside the Atlantic County Justice Facility on Saturday, April 19. Authorities say the inmate struck the officer multiple times in the face, causing him to lose consciousness and rendering him unable to protect himself. The assault occurred during a routine medication pass within the secure perimeter of the facility.
According to investigators, the officer had opened a cell door to assist medical staff in administering medication when the inmate unexpectedly became violent. After allegedly finishing his medication, the inmate lunged at the officer and began pursuing him down the housing unit corridor. The officer attempted to retreat but was cornered and repeatedly punched in the face, police said. The attack continued until the officer fell unconscious. He was later secured, placed on a backboard and taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of facial injuries. Body camera footage, witness statements, and facility surveillance footage confirmed the details of the attack, according to law enforcement. The inmate has been charged with aggravated assault, a second-degree offense, and is scheduled for a detention hearing on Friday, April 25. The identity of the injured officer has not been released for safety reasons.