Suffolk County Officer Attacked Outside Jail Before Shift

BOSTON — One person is in custody and the officer who was attacked by a group on his way to work at the Suffolk County House of Correction Thursday morning is out of the hospital, authorities said.

The officer, who wasn’t named, was still in his civilian clothes at the time of the assault, according to Suffolk Sheriff Steven Thompkins.

“This morning, an officer, not yet in uniform, was arriving to work to the Suffolk County House of Correction,” according to a statement from the sheriff. “While in his car on Atkinson Street, a person reached through the open window and struck the officer. At this time, it is unclear how he came to exit the car, but once outside of the vehicle, it is reported that he was surrounded by multiple people who began to strike and attack him.”

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday evening the officer was released from the hospital and

and is recovering from his injuries.

"At this time, the investigation remains highly active and one individual is already in custody. Additional information will be made available at arraignment, which is anticipated to take place tomorrow in the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court,” District Attorney Rachel Rollins said in a release.

The jail opened in 1991 with 674 cells and 1,892 beds and 832 inmates but went up to house a record of 1,900 in 2000. The average daily population in 2015 was approximately 950, according to the website.

The full statement:

"This morning, an officer, not yet in uniform, was arriving to work to the Suffolk County House of Correction. While in his car on Atkinson Street, a person reached through the open window and struck the officer. At this time, it is unclear how he came to exit the car, but once outside of the vehicle, it is reported that he was surrounded by multiple people who began to strike him and attack him. While the reason for the assault currently remains unconfirmed, the motive is suspected to be attempted robbery. The officer is alert and currently being seen by medical professionals. At this time, there are no further details to report."