Corrections Officers Taken to Hospital With Minor Injuries From Pepper Spray Exposure, FDNY Says

At least 11 corrections officers from the Manhattan Detention Complex center in lower Manhattan at 125 White St. were taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon with minor injuries related to pepper spray exposure, the New York City Department of Corrections said. They were transported at 2:25 p.m to the New York Downtown Hospital and Bellevue Hospital, according to an FDNY spokesperson.

All the officers' injuries were minor, and no inmates were injured, the DOC said. The injuries occurred when seven inmates refused searches.

"The safety of our officers is Commissioner Ponte's number one priority," a spokesperson for the DOC said, referring to Joseph Ponte, commissioner of the DOC. "That is why we have launched a comprehensive program of meaningful reform that includes many measures to improve officer safety — such as providing officers with specialized training in conflict de-escalation and mental health first aid."

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

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