ST. LOUIS, Mich. — A prisoner armed with a homemade weapon assaulted a mental health professional at the St. Louis Correctional Facility on Tuesday, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
MDOC said the prisoner confronted a Qualified Mental Health Professional and produced what the department described as a prisoner-made weapon. The prisoner threatened the staff member before physically assaulting them, according to the department.
The staff member called for assistance and activated a personal protection device. During the assault, the prisoner made several attempts to prevent the employee from calling for additional help, MDOC said.
The staff member defended themselves until the prisoner left the area. Other facility employees then apprehended the prisoner without further incident.
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The prisoner was transferred to another correctional facility following the incident.
No physical injuries were reported.
“The Michigan Department of Corrections appreciates the dedication and response of the staff at St. Louis Correctional Facility who were able to quickly and safely resolve this incident without further harm to staff or incarcerated individuals,” the department said in a statement.
MDOC is investigating the assault and has requested an additional investigation by the Michigan State Police.
The department did not identify the prisoner or staff member in the information provided.