Search For Prison ‘Hooch’ Turns Violent As MN Inmate Wields Shank, Injures 4 Officers

CHISAGO COUNTY, MN — A search for "hooch," or homemade alcohol, ended with four correctional officers injured by a shank-wielding inmate at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Rush City, prompting a lockdown, authorities said.

The Saturday afternoon attack happened around 3:20 p.m. during routine cell searches, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Staff suspected the inmate had homemade alcohol. When officers approached, the inmate pulled out a shank, a makeshift weapon, and attacked.

One officer suffered a puncture wound and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. The injuries are not life-threatening, and the officer is expected to fully recover.

Three other officers were hurt while subduing the inmate and were later treated and released.

"This senseless act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers correctional staff face every day in service to public safety," said Paul Schnell, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

"We are grateful for the swift and courageous actions of our staff, and we are providing them the care and support they need. We will pursue every available remedy to hold the assailant accountable for this cowardly attack."

The inmate, serving a life sentence for first-degree murder and housed at Rush City since his sentencing, is being transferred to the state’s maximum-security prison in Oak Park Heights.

The DOC’s special investigations unit is handling the case. Once complete, it will be sent to the Chisago County Attorney’s Office for possible felony assault charges.