By Dan Ratchford, WNEP
A prison guard was killed by a prisoner Monday night at the federal prison in Wayne County, according to federal authorities.
Prison officials said Eric Williams, 34, of Nanticoke was assaulted by a prisoner with a homemade weapon at the United States Penitentiary Canaan near Waymart.
Williams was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead around 11:30 p.m. Monday.
Prison officials released the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that we report the death of Correctional Officer Eric Williams. Last night, Officer Williams, while working in a housing, was fatally assaulted by an inmate using a homemade weapon.
“Staff responded immediately and restrained the inmate. Officer Williams was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 11:30 p.m.
“Warren Ebbert said ‘This is clearly the darkest day in our institution’s short history, and we are in shock over this senseless loss of a colleague and friend.’
“Officer Williams, 34, was from Nanticoke Pennsylvania. He began his career with the Bureau of Prisons on September 11, 2011.
“The institution has been placed on lockdown status. The community was never in any danger. An investigation into this tragic event is currently underway.”
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
The name of the inmate involved has not been released.
Source: WNEP
12 Comments to “Federal corrections officer killed by inmate in Wayne County”
February 26, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Hang the creep. He is too worthless to allow to take up space in human society.
February 26, 2013 at 2:18 PM
lol
February 26, 2013 at 4:48 PM
Another stabbing death of an unarmed officer. Maybe someday the BOP will pull their heads out of their behinds and arm us? Sometimes you just cant communicate to all of the murderers, rapists and all around bad guys in prison. My deepest sympathies to Officer Williams family.
February 26, 2013 at 7:49 PM
Amen to that brother…rest in peace Officer Williams
February 26, 2013 at 5:31 PM
Do the officers wear body armour? If not why not?
February 26, 2013 at 7:46 PM
no body armor, pepper spray in most institutions, no baton either, the BOP believes that communication is the best tool an officer can have…nice concept however a staff member can have the most excellent communications skills but communication needs to go both ways…..you can't communicate with some folks who only know nothing but violence and hate….officer's in the BOP need vests, need pepper spray, and need batons.
February 26, 2013 at 7:47 PM
because when officers wear it inmates know it and aim for areas not covered by armour which turn out to be more fatal blows
February 27, 2013 at 1:17 PM
if inmates know your wearing body armor where do you think they will stab you or cut you? It sure wont be in the armor…RIP Brother…
February 26, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Weapons aren't the answer,what if an inmate gets the officers weapon then things would be much worse for more people. I do agree that that scum should have been immediately taken "out" Do not pass go, Do not collect $200.
February 27, 2013 at 12:56 AM
God help us all if we are furloughed Friday…
March 9, 2013 at 7:50 AM
Now March 9th. No news. Another secret. Another perp protected. #FtHood