February 23, 2021 – In Breaking News – NWI .com
The Indiana Department of Correction said Tuesday it regularly searches prisoners’ cells for contraband and provides staff members with protective equipment to prevent knife attacks within its facilities.
The department provided a statement to The Times in response to questions about a stabbing Sunday at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City that led to the death of Lt. Eugene Lasco, 57, and wounded Sgt. Padrick Schmitt, 22.
Lasco’s homicide marked the fourth fatal stabbing at Indiana State Prison since 2017.
In the three other cases, inmates were killed.
The Department of Correction said it works to prevent inmates from creating makeshift knives by routinely searching cells and cellblocks and prisoners’ property for any contraband.
“All of our facilities have policies and procedures on what is allowed into IDOC facilities, and what is prohibited, based on safety and security factors,” the department said.
IDOC provides staff with protective gear, including multiple versions of protective vests, and other items such as chemical spray to de-escalate situations with prisoners, a spokeswoman said.
“Staff are trained in how to respond to multiple types of situations with offenders, including de-escalating situations and using physical force to protect themselves and others inside the facilities,” the department said.
(An inmate at the Indiana State Prison has been charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed a prison guard to death on Sunday afternoon. Courtesy of WGN News and YouTube. Posted on Feb 22, 2021.)
Details surrounding how an inmate allegedly obtained the stabbing instrument used against Lasco and Schmitt have not yet been released.
Lasco was fatally stabbed about 2:30 p.m. Sunday after rushing to the aid of Schmitt, who was attacked and stabbed multiple times by inmate Tymetri Campbell, 38, IDOC said.
Lasco and Schmitt were taken to Franciscan Health hospital in Michigan City, where Lasco was pronounced dead.
Schmitt was transferred to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he was in stable condition Monday, police said.
Continue reading… IDOC defends policies in wake of attack that killed 1 prison officer, wounded another
Editor’s note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lt. Eugene Lasco, both blood and blue. Also our prayers for Sgt. Padrick Schmitt’s full recovery.
Thank you for your bravery in serving the citizens of Indiana Lt. Lasco. Our hearts are heavy with your loss. You will not be forgotten.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
