Four correction officers are recovering after a violent attack at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

According to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, an inmate at the maximum-security prison punched a female officer several times in the face and body after refusing to return to his cell and attempting to apply OC spray, which missed the inmate. Three officers who rushed to help were also injured, with two requiring hospital treatment and being unable to immediately return to duty.

Officials say the incarcerated individual, 32, is serving a 15-year sentence after being convicted upstate on a weapons possession charge in 2018. After the attack, he was transported to Shawangunk Correctional Facility, according to the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.

Union officials say the violence happened last week before the labor dispute ended but highlights the need for more protections for guards.

“Lost in the chaos of the strike, was the fact that staff who remained working in prisons continued to be attacked by violent inmates. The unsafe conditions that existed prior to the strike will only continue until there are real solutions put in place to address the record levels of violence that have existed for the past two years. It is not only about protecting officers and civilian staff, but also the inmates who abide by the rules and are still getting attacked by other inmates. Nothing will change unless it is addressed by DOCCS and the State," says David Luther, NYSCOPBA southern region vice president.