Harrisburg, PA -- At approximately 10 a.m. on August
26, two SCI Smithfield officers observed an inmate acting suspiciously. Upon
searching the inmate, an item dropped to the floor. One of the officers picked
up the item, which contained a white, orange and blue paper. About 20 minutes
later that officer reported experiencing a headache. Prison medical staff
determined he needed to be evaluated at the hospital. As staff was preparing to
drive the officer to the hospital, the officer became increasingly disoriented
and confused. Another onsite medical assessment was conducted, and staff called
for an ambulance to transport the officer to J.C. Blair Hospital. No additional
information on the officer is available at this time. No other employees
reported feeling sickened.
UPDATE: On
August 26, the
ER released the officer back to duty without restrictions beginning August
28.
MEDIA CONTACT: Susan
McNaughton, 717-728-4025
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