Another staff assault at Menard

The Menard Correctional Center in Chester is on a full lockdown after nine members of the prison's security staff were injured in a Friday assault by inmates at the maximum-security facility.

According to Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson, one offender was treated for non-life threatening injuries at an outside hospital, while the staff members also sought treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Wilson said the IDOC would not be releasing any additional details at this time, but sources at the prison credit a quick response from staff in stepping in and helping end the altercation.

Wilson noted that after the IDOC completes its investigation, it would forward information to the Randolph County State's Attorney's office for possible prosecution.

Friday's attack occurred almost two months after three correctional officers, including a sergeant, were seriously injured by gang-affiliated inmates in a staff assault on April 23. Three IDOC inmates - Elroy Henderson, Mark Smith and Deonta Davis - have been formally charged in alleged connection to that incident.

According to court records, Henderson is facing two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer and has a case management conference scheduled for August 29. Davis is facing one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer and is due back in court on Aug. 8.

Smith is also facing one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 29.

The Herald Tribune will have more details and the newest incident as they become available.