A number of staff members at the Nebraska State Penitentiary suffered injuries this week in two separate inmate assaults.
Officials say the first occurred on Tuesday as staff members were called to respond to an unruly inmate who was trying to open a secure door. The inmate refused commands to stop and assaulted the officers as they were attempting to restrain him. One staff member was treated at the hospital for a fractured thumb. Injuries to two other staff members were not serious.
The second incident happened Wednesday evening when an inmate was entering his assigned living unit followed by a staff member. As the staff member took hold of the door, the inmate forcefully kicked the door, breaking the staff member’s finger, requiring stitches.
Both incidents will be investigated with findings provided to the county attorney for determination of criminal prosecution.