Billerica, Massachusetts – A corrections officer in Billerica recently found himself in the hospital after being seriously injured during an attack by an infamous inmate at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office reported that the assault, perpetrated by Patrick D. Litchfield, 32, on April 26, appeared to be unprovoked.
Following the incident, the injured officer was discharged from the hospital and is now recuperating at home. Meanwhile, Litchfield, who has a history of charges at the facility, is now facing additional offenses. Sheriff Peter Koutoujian expressed the challenging and dangerous nature of a corrections officer’s job, applauding the officer’s strength in surviving the sudden attack and assuring continuous support for him and his family.
Litchfield was moved to the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction following the alleged assault to serve his existing sentence and face the pending charges. The Sheriff’s Office later obtained a warrant related to the attack, charging Litchfield with various offenses, including assault and battery on a correctional employee, intimidating a witness, and resisting arrest.
As the legal process unfolds, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has provided immediate support through their Peer Support Team and licensed clinicians, ensuring mental health and emotional well-being for all staff members. Litchfield’s troubling history at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction raises concerns, with previous incidents showcasing violent and destructive behavior.
Documents from Lowell District Court detail Litchfield’s past transgressions at the jail, involving assaults and misconduct towards both staff and inmates. Furthermore, Litchfield’s arrest record spans several years, with incidents including weapons charges, probation violations, and reckless conduct in various locations.
Notably, Litchfield’s criminal behavior extends beyond Massachusetts, with reports of past arrests in neighboring states. One such incident in Maine involved a dangerous collision that resulted in severe injuries for a motorcyclist. Additionally, Litchfield’s documented history of mental illness raises questions about his capacity to stand trial and the need for intensive psychiatric care.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed the identity of the assaulted corrections officer or the extent of his injuries. The situation highlights the risks faced by corrections officers in their line of duty and emphasizes the importance of adequate support and safety measures within correctional facilities.