By Mark Gilger
The News-Item
COAL TOWNSHIP — State police at Stonington have ruled Sunday morning’s attack by an inmate on a male correctional officer at SCI-Coal Township as an attempted homicide.
Trooper Ronald Zanella reported in a press release that an inmate placed a correctional officer in a choke hold from behind and used a weapon in a sweeping motion across the officer’s neck in an attempt to seriously injure or kill him.
Zanella said the officer was able to fend off his attacker, but suffered injuries to his neck, face, head, hands and back.
The officer underwent emergency room treatment at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital before being released.
Police said the attack occurred at 9:45 a.m. in the east recreation yard.
The inmate, who escaped injury, was immediately transferred to another state correctional institution.
Neither police nor prison officials have identified the inmate or correctional officer as the investigation remains open. No charges have been filed against the inmate at this point of the investigation.