Inmate injured trying to separate guards fighting over food

The Erie County Sheriff's department is investigating what they admit is an embarrassing incident involving two correctional officers in the Yankee Building at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. Undersheriff Mark Wipperman confirmed that a fight between the two jailers took place last Thursday, and an inmate who tried to break up the fight was injured in the process.

Wipperman identifies the Corrections Officers as Lawrence Mule, a 26-year member of the force and James Conlin, for 29-years. Wipperman would only say the fight happened over food dissemination. "Quite frankly I don't care if it was a bag of chips, a candy bar, romaine noodles. This conduct should never of happened and will never be tolerated. Never," said Wipperman.



The Undersheriff describes the inmate who got involved as a "Trustee." The inmate told investigators the only reason why he intervened was because he didn't want to see either men lose their jobs.

Wipperman said: "I'm totally embarrassed. Quite frankly I'm very upset that I'm even having this conversation. I really feel bad for the men and women, the vast majority of them who come in the correctional facility and the holding center everyday and do a great job." Wipperman would not discuss the type of injury the inmate suffered, only to say that he was taken to the infirmary at the Corrections Facility, then to ECMC before returning back to jail.

With news video.