HOUTZDALE – State police in Clearfield are investigating a large fight that occurred at the State Correctional Institution in Houtzdale on Thursday evening that left seven corrections officers with injuries.
According to the report inmates were gathered for dinner in dining hall 2. One inmate threw his meal ticket at the CO who was collecting them. The inmate was ordered to pick the ticket up but refused. A supervisor was called to help defuse the incident.
The inmate then removed his jacket and struck a CO. Words were exchanged and other inmates removed their jackets and tied their boots. The CO was struck again, and while they were trying to get control of the situation other CO’s were struck. The ruckus moved into a canopied area where the CO’s were able to get control of the inmates.
One CO was transported by ambulance to Clearfield Hospital and six others were transported by van. According to the report the injuries ranged from minor to severe, with the most serious being a broken bone below one CO’s eye. All were treated and released from the hospital.
Police stated that all parties will be identified at a later date and time. Charges are pending the identification of all the inmates involved.
