Deputies injured in two separate incidents at Holding Center
Four deputies have been attacked in the past 24 hours at the Erie County Holding Center in two separate incidents. Two are still being treated at this time.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — While inmate attacks are not unusual here, the holding center superintendent says it is out of the ordinary to have two so close together.
The first incident occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday, when an inmate, 22-year-old Lakita Hawkins, was being moved to another housing unit by two deputies.
According to the Erie County Sheriff's Office, she dropped some of her belongings and attacked a deputy from behind, hitting him in the head, face, and upper back. The other deputy tried to control her but could not.
Both deputies were checked out at ECMC for head, neck, and back injuries.
The second incident happened Friday morning when 20-year-old inmate Devan Hunley was being escorted back to his cell. According to the Sheriff's Office, he pushed a deputy from behind, causing his face to hit the metal fire door.
When other deputies responded he fought with them and was eventually restrained. Two of the deputies involved are being treated for head, leg, and hand injuries.
Meanwhile, the facility plans to review operations after these attacks.
"We're not going to overreact, but we're definitely going to review everything involved and ensure that everything was done to protect our staff," said Superintendent Tom Diina, Erie County Holding Center.
Hawkins has been charged with second degree assault and will be arraigned in Buffalo City Court. The second inmate, Hunley, will face criminal charges once the degree of injuries for the two deputies are known.