TORONTO - Two jail guards suffered minor injuries and an inmate is in hospital with 200 stitches after a melee at the Toronto West Detention Centre.
The prisoner allegedly tried to attack officers with a roof hammer that was smuggled inside the jail.
An internal prison review is underway and security measures gave been intensified following the Dec. 18 incident.
Toronto Police alleged a suspected parole violator took out a hammer and started attacking correctional services officers after they removed his handcuffs and shackles so he could be booked at the jail.
The man allegedly uttered death threats as he smashed computers and office furniture in the prison admitting area, where inmates are searched and issued prison clothing, officers said.
He was eventually subdued after being tackled by officers. Police said "he suffered some cuts."
Toronto Police spokesman Const. Tony Vella said the force is working with the correctional services ministry to probe the incident. He refused comment citing an investigation.
Corrections services spokesman Anthony Brown also refused comment due to the probe.
Dan Sidsworth, of the Ontario Public Service Union, Local 517, said the 9 a.m. incident occurred in the admitting area.
Jail workers alleged the prisoner caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to the office.
"There was significant damage to the office," Sidsworth said. "This attack was unprecedented and we are lucky someone wasn't killed."
He said the attack has prompted security changes and incoming prisoners are now being searched and checked by metal detectors before their restraints are removed.
Officers are also trying to take their handcuffs, batons and pepper spray with them inside the jail. They, like cops, currently have to leave their weapons outside.
"Our officers are pretty shaken up by this," Sidsworth said. "The cycle of violence has dramatically increased in prisons."
Russell Prowe, 27, of Toronto, faces two counts of attempted murder.
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