A routine shift at Bordentown's Juvenile Medium Security Facility took a violent turn after a vicious, unprovoked attack at the hands of an inmate sent a Correctional Police Officer speeding to the emergency room.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. when a Correctional Police Officer attempted to distance himself from two inmates who were actively provoking the officer.
The officer attempted to radio for assistance in anticipation of a possible attack.
The call, however, came too late as one inmate threw several closed fist strikes to the officer's head. What was once an anticipatory signal soon turned into a signal of distress.
Upon arriving at the scene, other officers attempted to deescalate the situation.
The inmate was soon restrained and taken to the floor, heavily resisting, while the injured officer remained slumped on the floor, covered in blood.
The officer was quickly escorted to the nearest hospital to receive medical attention, and the inmate has since been issued charges for aggravated assault.
"It's time we address the elephant in the room," William Sullivan, President of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 105, said.
"Assaults on Correctional Police Officers at the hands of the inmate population, particularly in our juvenile facilities, have reached an all-time high."
"Conditions have become increasingly unsafe for officers, causing many to tender their resignation even shortly after initial hiring.
"Every second of disregard from the Juvenile Justice Commission is endangering another officer and depleting our already understaffed workforce after vaccine exemptions were wholly denied."
"The time for action is now. This vicious assault deserves a full criminal investigation and should serve as a wake-up call for Acting Executive Director Jennifer LeBaron to start sticking up for her officers before it's too late."
"We call on Jennifer LeBaron to address these attacks and implement swift changes to protect the ones who continue to sacrifice their own safety for the cause."