Safety Under Scrutiny After Vehicle Incident at Ohio Reformatory for Women

The recent incident at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, captured by body camera footage, presents a disturbing scene that underscores the dangers inmates can face even within the presumed safety of a controlled environment. The footage shows Lieutenant Thierno Bah driving a small utility vehicle, commonly known as a gator, through the prison yard—an action that resulted in the injury of 40-year-old inmate Amanda Koerner.

This unfortunate event occurred as two officers, including Lt. Bah, were responding to a fight within the prison’s premises. The urgency of their response led to Bah driving the utility vehicle onto the sidewalk, colliding with a chair, swerving, and ultimately striking Ms. Koerner. Although other inmates nearby managed to avoid the vehicle, Koerner was less fortunate, sustaining injuries for which she later received medical treatment at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Name: Amanda Lee Koerner
Date of Birth: October 28, 1983
Age: 41
Arrested By: Madison County Sheriff

Charges:

1. Involuntary Manslaughter
2. Reckless Homicide
3. Corruption of Another with Drugs
4. Trafficking in Drugs – Schedule I, II

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction are currently investigating the collision, which raises significant questions about the protocols for emergency responses within the prison facility. The balance between rapid response to incidents and the safety of all persons—staff and inmates alike—within the prison grounds is a delicate one.

This incident not only highlights the potential physical dangers that can occur but also brings to light the broader implications regarding the safety measures and operational procedures in place at correctional facilities. It calls into question the training provided to the staff for handling emergency situations and the measures to prevent harm to inmates, who are entitled to protection and safety under the custody of the state.

The response by Lt. Bah, who quickly checked on Koerner before continuing to the fight, and another prison employee who stayed to assist, indicates a recognition of the seriousness of the incident but also emphasizes the chaotic nature of emergency responses in such environments.

As the investigations unfold, it will be crucial for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to assess and possibly revise its policies concerning vehicle use within prison yards, ensuring that such accidents are avoided in the future and that the safety and well-being of inmates are not compromised in the process.