An investigation is underway following an inmate assault at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred during arraignments and involved two female inmates.
According to MDC, at approximately 12:15 p.m., a 49-year-old female inmate sustained serious injuries in what appears to be an unprovoked attack by a 24-year-old female inmate. The attack took place during a scheduled court proceeding. The alleged attacker used an improvised weapon, believed to be a pen, to inflict multiple injuries to the victim’s upper body and facial area.
An emergency code was immediately activated, prompting a response from corrections officers and UNM Hospital medical staff. Corrections officers intervened to separate the inmates and provided initial aid to the injured victim. Medical staff continued treatment upon their arrival, and the injured inmate was transported by ambulance for further medical care.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. The MDC Office of Professional Standards is also reviewing the event according to established procedures. As this is an active investigation, no further details are available at this time.