Opinion ID: 3011960
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Ways Incident

Text: On August 18, 1997, the same day in which the above events took place, inmate Anthony Ways was involved in a separate incident. After having his lunch at the prison 4 cafeteria, Ways proceeded towards a central rotunda, upon which various wings of the prison converge. He alleges that, as he approached the rotunda, there was a commotion going on, with people . . . running andofficers swinging sticks. App. at A135. He also testified that he saw two officers on the ground in the center of the rotunda. After observing this commotion, Ways claims that he attempted to get back to his wing so that he could return to his cell. Id. at A137. According to Ways, while attempting to return, he was approached by Corrections Officer Robert Richter. Ways testified as follows: [H]e’s approaching me, so, out of instinct, my hands go up. He swings. As he swings, I’m trying to prevent his swing by pushing his shoulder away from me. . . . As he swings, he hits me in my jaw, and it didn’t knock me out, but it was enough for me. I laid on the ground and surrender[ed]. Id. at A139. According to Ways, after he laid down on the ground, Richter and another officer placed his arms and legs in handcuffs. Ways claims that, after he was restrained, several officers stood him up and carried him towards another wing of the prison. As he was being carried, Ways alleges that he was dropped to the floor and that Richter kicked him. He testified that he sustained various injuries requiring medical treatment. In connection with the events of that day, Ways was charged with assaulting Richter and two other corrections officers in violation of Title 10A of the New Jersey Administrative Code. See N.J. ADMIN. CODE tit. 10A, S 4- 4.1(a).002 (2002). After a disciplinary hearing, a hearing officer found Ways guilty on all charges and sanctioned him to 30 days detention, a 970-day loss of commutation time, 970 days administrative segregation, and a 30-day loss of recreation privileges. On February 19, 1999, also in connection with what transpired on August 18, 1997, Ways pled guilty to criminal aggravated assault in violation of N.J. STAT. ANN. S 2C:12-1(b)(5). The aggravated assault charge was based on the fact that Ways had punched Corrections Officer Kimberly Bleinstein in the face, breaking her jaw. 5