Garner Guards, Prisoner Treated For Smoke Inhalation

There were several incidents that occurred at the Garner Correctional institution in recent days that warranted investigations and action by the Connecticut State Police. The first, and most serious, incident occurred October 9 at approximately 6:37 pm.

State police responded to Garner following a small fire which was reportedly caused by inmate Benjamin Torres, 21.

According to the report, inmate Torres started a small fire in the F-block at the facility, which resulted in another inmate, and two corrections officers being treated at Danbury Hospital for smoke inhalation. The inmate was arrested following a brief investigation and charged with arson in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree and reckless endangerment in the first degree.

He was held at Garner on a $150,000 surety bond pending arraignment on those charges October 11.

On October 11, troopers responded again to Garner to serve an outstanding arrest warrant on a prisoner who was about to be released. At about 10:45 am, police served the fugitive from justice warrant on behalf of the Berkshire County, Mass., States Attorney’s office to Francis Golden, 40. The prisoner was held on a $35,000 bond pending arraignment on the charge in Danbury Superior Court on October 12. He was subsequently extradited to Sheffield, Mass., to answer the outstanding warrant.

On October 12, troopers returned to Garner to investigate an incident in which inmate Juan Jones, 40, allegedly fought with and threatened corrections officers. Inmate Jones was subsequently charged with breach of peace and threatening and held on a $1,000 bond pending arraignment at Danbury Superior Court on October 17.