Man Accused of Assaulting Two ACI Correctional Officers

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

Two ACI correctional officers suffered injuries to the head. They say Jesse Gabriau is to blame. Gabriau initially went to the ACI to have batteries in his ankle monitor replaced.

"He had been under the influence. That’s what started the whole situation," says Richard Ferruccio, president of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional officers.

 Police say Gabriau was intoxicated, a violation on the conditions of his home confinement. Correctional Officers 52-year-old Stephen Orteau and 61-year-old Joseph Gaulin who both have more than 30 years experience, tried putting him in handcuffs. But, Gabriau lashed out trying to escape.

"Officer Gaulin grabbed the hand cuff located on his left hand and jumped on his back to prevent him from leaving the premises. Gabriau continued up the stairs with Gaulin on his back, exiting minimum-security. Once outside Gabriau threw the Officer off his back," says Rhode Island State Police in Court.

 Gabriau then hit the officer over the head causing a severe laceration. The other hit in head with the handcuffs causing bruising.

"In my 32 years that is one of the worst shots I’ve seen someone take in the head," says Ferruccio.

After the assaults, Gabriau fled the scene, but police investigation led them to a home in West Warwick. Where they also arrested 46-year-old Loretta Biscoglio a charge of Obstructing a Police Officer. she was arraigned Tuesday as well. Gabriau is held on 7 counts including:

-Two counts of Assault or Escape by a Custodial Unit Inmate

-Two counts of Felony Assault with Dangerous Weapon

-Assault on a Person over 60 causing Serious Bodily Injury felony

-Disorderly Conduct

-Resisting Arrest

(c)WLNE-TV 2016