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Garner Correctional Institution

DOC: Incarcerated man stabs 2 correction officers with sharpened toothbrush in Newtown facility

According to the DOC, the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. as the attacker was being “escorted from one part of the facility to another.”

Bob Doda

Aug 22, 2023, 1:35 PM

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The state Department of Correction says an incarcerated man at Garner Correctional Institution in Newtown stabbed two correction officers Tuesday morning with a sharpened toothbrush.

According to the DOC, the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. as the attacker was being “escorted from one part of the facility to another.”

One of the officers was stabbed in the neck. The other was stabbed in the torso. They were treated and released from a hospital.

The DOC says the attacker was “immediately secured” and transferred to the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution’s Restrictive Housing Unit.

“As Commissioner, this is my worst fear - that our brave staff members are attacked and injured,” said Commissioner Angel Quiros, in prepared remarks. “I rushed to the hospital as soon as I learned of the assault, and thank God, they are all right.”

The attacker was identified as Joe Baltas, 35, of Meriden.

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