Chillicothe, Ohio — A corrections officer died after being attacked by an inmate at an Ohio prison on Christmas morning, authorities said Wednesday.
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The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said Correctional Officer Andrew Lansing died “as a result of an assault by an inmate” that morning at Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe.
“Losing a staff member is difficult, but losing a family member on Christmas Day at the hands of someone in our care is a tragedy beyond comprehension,” said department director Annette Chambers-Smith, in a statement.
“Instead of returning home from his tour of duty to spend the holidays with his family, Officer Lansing made the ultimate sacrifice, and our agency will never be the same,” Chambers-Smith said.
No details about the alleged assault or the inmate were immediately released. The jail was “operating under restricted traffic conditions” and the Ohio State Highway Patrol was investigating.
“The suspect inmate has been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility,” the department said.
Lansing was described as “a long-time and well-respected employee” of the prison who “was beloved by his colleagues.”
“He was a friendly, outgoing officer who treated everyone with respect and was always professional,” the department said.
