Lawton Correctional Officer Injured in Inmate Attack

Lawton Correctional Officer Injured in Inmate Attack at State Prison

A correctional officer in Lawton was injured Thursday after the Oklahoma Department of Corrections says an inmate attacked him from behind while he was conducting a welfare check inside the Chief James Smith Correctional Center.

Correctional Officer Jeramy Edison suffered blunt force trauma during the August 27 attack and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections says Edison has since been treated and released.

ODOC investigators believe the assault involved more than one inmate, with other prisoners suspected of helping coordinate the attack even though only one inmate is accused of physically assaulting the officer.

Lawton Correctional Officer Attacked During Inmate Welfare Check

According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Edison was conducting a welfare check on an inmate when another prisoner approached and attacked him from behind.

The assault occurred inside a specialized housing unit used to closely monitor inmates suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs.

Edison sustained blunt force trauma injuries during the attack. He was taken to a hospital for medical treatment before being released.

Investigators say the inmate accused of carrying out the assault deliberately targeted the officer in an attempt to be reassigned to another housing area within the correctional facility.

ODOC has not publicly identified the inmate accused of physically attacking Edison.

ODOC Investigating Possible Coordinated Inmate Attack

Although investigators say one inmate physically assaulted the Lawton correctional officer, the department believes other inmates may have helped coordinate the incident.

The investigation remains active as ODOC works to determine the circumstances leading up to the attack and the involvement of each inmate suspected of participating.

The Chief James Smith Correctional Center is a state-operated correctional facility in Lawton. Information about Oklahoma prisons, security classifications and correctional operations is available through the Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility directory.

The department said those responsible for the attack will be held accountable.

ODOC has also emphasized that violence against correctional employees will not be tolerated, particularly as officers work in specialized units involving inmates who may be impaired or present additional security concerns.

Oklahoma Corrections Officials Point to Drugs and Contraband Threats

The attack comes as Oklahoma corrections officials continue efforts to combat illegal drugs, contraband cell phones and other security threats inside state prisons.

Contraband can create significant safety risks for correctional officers and inmates, particularly when illegal drugs enter secure facilities.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General investigates criminal activity involving Oklahoma correctional facilities, including cases involving contraband and threats to institutional security.

Following Thursday's attack, ODOC said it remains committed to protecting employees and holding inmates accountable for violence against staff.

The department has not announced whether additional criminal charges will be sought against the inmate accused of attacking Edison or others suspected of helping coordinate the incident.

The investigation into the Chief James Smith Correctional Center attack remains ongoing.

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