A violent inmate attacked two corrections officers at Riker Island, leading to substantial injuries, according to union representatives. The incident involved inmate Sundance Oliver, 30, who has a lengthy criminal history, including murder charges.
The assault occurred during a response to a fire set in Oliver’s cell. This happened around 4:10 PM in the North Infirmary section of Rikers, which houses inmates with specific custody needs.
As the officers were evacuating the smoky area, Oliver struck one officer on the scalp and another on the face with a ceramic object, as reported by officials and union leaders. “Out of nowhere, the inmate started hitting our officers, marking one of the most brutal attacks we’ve witnessed in years,” said Benny Boscio, the chairman of the Correctional Officers’ Union.
In this attack, one officer required 17 stitches for a deep scalp laceration, while the other needed seven stitches for facial injuries. Boscio emphasized their fortunate survival, noting that Oliver had previously assaulted over 50 individuals, including officers and civilians, within just two years.
Oliver’s history includes multiple gang affiliations, particularly with a Brooklyn gang. His record features several violent crimes, including robbery and attempted murder, raising concerns about his volatile nature both in and out of prison.
Reportedly, his criminal activities have contributed to violence across Brooklyn and Manhattan, with notable incidents, such as a shooting that injured a 96-year-old woman in a wheelchair. Despite being incarcerated, he has continued to display aggressive behavior, resulting in over 40 attacks on staff and multiple arson attempts.
Union officials had previously warned about Oliver’s dangerousness, detailing one instance where he used a chain to choke a female officer and assaulted another. In light of these latest attacks, corrections officials promised to collaborate with prosecutors to ensure Oliver is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“These officers acted heroically during a fire that endangered lives,” a spokesperson remarked. “When they managed the situation, they were severely injured by someone with a long history of violent conduct.”
Boscio also called out Zohran Mamdani, who is advocating for reducing inmate populations on Rikers Island, pressing him to clarify how he would manage inmates like Oliver.
The Mamdani campaign has not provided a response.
Additional Reports by Matthew Fischetti
