BUFFALO, N.Y. — Three employees at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center are recovering after allegedly being stabbed by a patient, who now faces assault and weapons charges.
Buffalo Police say 34-year-old Calvin Haskins brought a knife into the Strozzi Building on the psychiatric center campus and "unprovoked" attacked the three employees.
Haskins is set to be arraigned on three counts of first-degree assault and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the 4th degree.
Chief of Investigative Services Craig Macy commended the actions of staff at the facility many of whom are nurses, for jumping in to treat their injured co-workers, potentially saving lives.
All three employees were taken to Erie County Medical Center after the incident.
The stabbing happened around 9 a.m. and Haskins, who was receiving treatment at the mental health facility was quickly taken into custody according to Buffalo Police.
When asked how Haskins was allegedly able to enter with a knife, Chief Macy explained that part of the campus does not have screening and is unguarded.
The Strozzi Building is used for the center's group-living residential program according to the state's database of mental health resources.
The victims have only been identified as a 45-year-old male who suffered injuries to his chest and arm, a 55-year-old male whose chest and abdomen were injured, and a 52-year-old female, who suffered an injury to both her lower back and shoulder. One employee had to undergo surgery.
The state contends while mental health facilities periodically deal with incidents directed toward staff, one of this severity is very uncommon.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Office of Mental Health (OHM) said:
"Earlier today, three staff members were injured during an incident at the Strozzi Building of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center campus and we are actively assisting the Buffalo Police Department's investigation into this matter. The Office of Mental Health’s top priority is the safety of our staff and the individuals we serve, and our thoughts are with the employees who were injured and their families."
Police told 2 On Your Side that Haskins could be arraigned as soon as Wednesday evening, if not Thursday morning in Buffalo City Court. He will be under constant watch while in lockup.
The Office of Mental Health plans to review all relevant information related to the incident and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of staff and patients.
OHM has made trauma response and support available to those impacted by the event.