Prison locked down after guard attacked

Thursday, May 20, 2004 | 9:05 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A section of the High Desert State Prison near Indian Springs remained locked down Wednesday because a correctional officer was attacked Tuesday night, the second attack on a guard this month, authorities said.

Glen Whorton, assistant director of the state Department of Corrections, said Wednesday the officer was not seriously hurt and continued on the job. He said those responsible would be held accountable.

But Gene Columbus, president of the Nevada Corrections Association, said the incident is not just the second attack on an officer this month at High Desert, it is the third one in a month in the state prison system, and it indicates that there is a systemwide problem.

Columbus said the officer, who was identified only as "Kelly," was going to lock up a cell area with six inmates when they surrounded him. One of them head-butted the officer and dragged him into a cell where he was assaulted, Columbus said.

Whorton said the incident was over quickly when another officer fired a warning shot. He said an investigation is under way.

The attack occurred in a section of the prison where youthful offenders are housed.

Columbus said the department has shown a "complacent attitude" when officers are assaulted.

"It's an open invitation to attack a correctional officer," he said. He said the last lock-down at High Desert lasted only a day.

"They (the prison administration) are loosening the reins too quickly," Columbus said.

Whorton said the prison has 10,000 inmates and half of them are violent. He said Columbus is trying to make the point that "the job is not as easy as it seems."

Whorton said only one section of the prison was involved so only that part was locked down.