BILLERICA, Mass. – A corrections officer in Billerica, Massachusetts, was recently hospitalized after being seriously injured in an attack by an inmate at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction.
The inmate, identified as Patrick D. Litchfield, 32, reportedly carried out the unprovoked attack on April 26. The injured officer has since been released from the hospital and is currently recovering at home, while Litchfield faces several new charges related to the incident.
Sheriff Peter Koutoujian emphasized the dangers and challenges that corrections officers face, stating, “In a split moment, this officer went from speaking to an inmate to surviving a violent attack.” The Sheriff’s Office has provided support to the injured officer and his family.
Following the attack, Litchfield was transferred to another correctional facility while facing charges including assault and battery on a correctional employee, assault with a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest. An arraignment date for Litchfield has not been set yet.
In response to the incident, members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Peer Support Team and licensed clinicians have been providing assistance and support to the affected officer and staff. Reports from Lowell District Court detail Litchfield’s history of violent behavior at the jail, including previous incidents of assault and arson.
Litchfield’s criminal record dates back several years, with past charges including probation violations, assault and battery, and possession of dangerous weapons. The inmate has also faced legal issues in other states, with one incident in Maine resulting in multiple charges, including possession of heroin and reckless driving.
Documents from March 2022 show that Litchfield has a history of mental illness and has been found incompetent to stand trial in the past. The Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed the identity of the injured corrections officer or the extent of their injuries from the recent attack.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by corrections officers in maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities, emphasizing the need for continued support and resources for those working in such environments.