2024-03-14 clements

Video: Clements Unit inmate punches corrections officer, appears to knock him unconscious

Surveillance video leaked from the Clements Unit in Amarillo shows an inmate punch a corrections officer on March 14, 2024

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Surveillance video leaked from the Clements Unit in Amarillo shows an inmate punch a corrections officer.

It appears the corrections officer was knocked unconscious.

As ABC 7 News exclusively reported, the incident happened Thursday morning.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice would only confirm "an incident occurred at the Clements Unit involving an inmate-on-staff assault."

But when AMS and Potter County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the prison, it was for an "assault on an officer."

The victim was taken to the hospital by an ambulance.

A source sent ABC 7 News video of the incident.

Surveillance video leaked from the Clements Unit in Amarillo shows an inmate punch a corrections officer on March 14, 2024

TDCJ is not talking about the incident, so we don't know what happened before the punch.

But you can see the corrections officer approaches the inmate and gets in his face.

During the confrontation, the corrections officer lunges at the inmate a few times.

The inmate then throws one punch.

The corrections officer hits the floor and does not appear to move.

Another corrections officer runs over, makes the inmate get on the ground and then checks on his fellow officer.

ABC 7 News asked TDCJ if it disputes the validity of the video.

"We have seen the video, and we are investigating," said TDCJ.

"This incident really brings to light the challenges our brave men and women behind the razor wire confront, from de-escalating tense situations to making split-second decisions with potentially life-or-death consequences," said TDCJ. "Our correctional officers deserve immense respect for the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe."