News Releases

Ontario Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSAULT AT WARKWORTH INSTITUTION

CAMPBELLFORD, ON, May 6, 2008 - Warkworth Institution has been locked down and an exceptional search for weapons has been ordered by the Institutional Head, following an inmate assault.

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, at approximately 15:50 hours, two offenders were assaulted in one of the living units. These offenders were transferred to outside hospital for treatment of non life threatening injuries, and later returned to the institution. There were no injuries to other offenders or staff.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Northumberland Crime Unit has been contacted and is investigating the incident. As well, the Correctional Service of Canada will review the circumstances leading to this incident.

The institution remains locked down and regular visits and programs have been suspended. The management team is continually assessing the situation, and it is anticipated that the institution will return to normal operating routine by this evening.

The lockdown has been put in place in order to facilitate a search of the facility while ensuring the continued safety and security of the public, staff and inmates.

The facility will reopen once institutional management determines that it is safe to do so.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Brad Greig
A/Assistant Warden, Management Services
705-924-8104