News Releases

Pacific Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASSAULT AT KENT INSTITUTION

AGASSIZ, BC, August 5, 2008 – Kent Institution, Cell Blocks A, B, and D, is currently locked down following an assault on an inmate last evening.

Correctional staff became aware of the assault when an inmate came forward at 7:15 this morning, complaining of shortness of breath and coughing up blood. He was rushed to the institutional health care area, where he was diagnosed as having multiple stab wounds. Health Care staff stabilized the inmate’s condition. Due to the extent of his injuries, the inmate was transported by ambulance to outside hospital.

A weapon has not been recovered and it is not known what motivated the assault. The RCMP and the Kent Institution Security Intelligence Office continue to investigate.

In order to improve its practices to prevent and reduce future incidents, the Correctional Service of Canada will continue to work with the police in an effort review the circumstances surrounding the incident and take action where necessary. Ensuring the safety and security of institutions, staff, and public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

The institution will remain locked down to facilitate the investigation and a search for weapons. No staff or other inmates were injured during this incident.

Kent Institution is a federal maximum-security institution located 120 kilometers east of Vancouver. The institution currently houses 244 inmates.

– 30 –

For more information media representatives may contact:

Gordon Mattson
Assistant Warden Management Services
Office: 604-796-4404
Cell Phone: 604-798-4174