Auburn Correctional Facility is on lockdown following two separate incidents of inmate violence last week, according to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The altercations, which occurred on Thursday and Saturday, were each stopped by the firing of a round from a state-issued rifle into a safe area of the prison yard, a DOCCS spokesperson said on Tuesday.听
In response, the prison was ordered into lockdown on Sunday for an overall frisk of the premises, according to DOCCS.
"DOCCS has absolutely zero tolerance for violence and contraband, and we will make sure that any inmate found in violation of department rules or endangering others is held accountable," a spokesperson said in a statement.
Prison officials are working with the New York State Police on the investigation of the incidents. The first occurred at around听9:30 p.m.听on Thursday.
A DOCCS spokesperson said three inmates were fighting in the prison's south yard and ignored verbal commands from a correction officer stationed on the roof. As part of prison protocol, the officer then fired a shot into the safe area as a warning, DOCCS said, which prompted the inmates to lay on the ground.
A weapon was recovered from the area, the spokesperson added, and the inmates involved are facing possible discipline.听
The DOCCS spokesperson did not release further details about the second incident.
Staff writer Greg Mason can be reached at (315) 282-2239 or greg.mason@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @CitizenMason.
