Inmate accused of Souza-Baranowski attack on prison staff pleads not guilty – Boston News, Weather, Sports

LANCASTER, MASS. (WHDH) – One of the inmates charged in connection with an attack at a Lancaster prison pleaded not guilty Thursday.

Jose Crespo appeared in court and was charged with armed assault and battery.

Crespo is currently serving a life sentence for a separate crime.

The attack took place on September 18 and was caught on camera inside the prison. Officials said five corrections officers were taken to local hospitals, including one officer who was stabbed more than 12 times, mostly in the back and head.

A video of the attack shows one officer walking through the cell while several inmates sit at desks. One prisoner can be seen leaning against the door.

As the officer walks past, a prisoner can be seen punching him in the face in the doorway. An officer fights the inmate before a second inmate runs across the room and joins the attack. The second policeman comes to the aid of the first policeman when one of the prisoners stabs him repeatedly. Several other officers soon intervene and try to subdue the prisoners. While the struggle continues, a third prisoner can be seen entering the fight.

Two more prisoners were also charged with involvement in the attack.