Chipley, Fla.-Two inmates attacked correctional officers at approximately 6:00 PM Wednesday on the recreation yard at Washington CI. The inmates believed responsible are Tracy Wright DC#361209 and Darrell Jenkins DC#306233. The Department of Corrections is investigating the attack and both inmates have been relocated to Florida State Prison.

Preliminary details indicate that the incident began when an officer was struck from behind in the head with a baseball bat. As fellow correctional officers responded to assist the fallen officer, two inmates began to fight using a baseball bat and horseshoes as weapons. Several inmates attempted to help the officers being attacked. Chemical agents were used to subdue the attackers. Five officers were transported to two hospitals in the area. All have serious injuries. Four of the officers have been released from the hospital, one remains in critical but stable condition.

"Florida's correctional officers put their lives on the line everyday, working with a dangerous prison population," stated Secretary James V. Crosby. "These two inmates have a history of violence in the Florida prison system. They deliberately attacked the officers while they were performing their duties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the officers as they recover from their injuries. I am proud of the way our brave corrections professionals handled this senseless attack, minimizing the risk and danger to all of those involved."

Inmate Jenkins is serving life on a first degree murder charge out of Duval County and Inmate Wright is serving 32 years for various offenses including armed robbery, assault and battery on a law enforcement officer out of Polk, Pasco and Miami-Dade Counties.

Assault Advisory is issued by the Department of Corrections whenever a correctional officer or probation officer is attacked in the line of duty.