ROSS COUNTY, OH — The tragic death of Correction Officer Andy Lansing at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) on Christmas morning has sparked urgent calls for accountability from the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA). Officer Lansing was fatally injured during an attack by inmate Rashawn Cannon, raising serious concerns about safety protocols within the facility.
According to Department of Rehabilitation and Correction officials, the attack occurred as Cannon and his unit were heading to the dining hall. Cannon deviated from his group to locate Officer Lansing in his guard shack situated in the middle of the prison yard. It has been confirmed that the building is not locked and that no weapons were involved in the assault.
Cannon, 27, has been incarcerated since 2023 on charges of felonious assault and possession of a weapon under disability. He has since been transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Institution while the incident is under investigation. Despite prompt medical attention, Lansing succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a local hospital.
OCSEA President Christopher Mabe has voiced grave concerns over what he describes as systemic failures in leadership and management within the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC). In a letter to Governor Mike DeWine, Mabe called for the immediate placement of DRC Director Annette Chambers, the Warden of RCI, and other relevant officials on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcomes.
“Officer Lansing’s death underscores a failure to prioritize the safety of correctional staff,” Mabe stated. “This tragedy reflects a broader pattern of negligence that has endangered the lives of those serving in Ohio’s correctional institutions.”
Previous incidents involving Cannon indicate a troubling history, including a confrontation in April where Lansing reported aggressive behavior from Cannon during a phone call, which included threats. Despite disciplinary actions, Cannon remained a potential threat.
As the investigation into Lansing’s death continues, Mabe emphasizes the need for swift action to restore trust in the correctional system and to honor Officer Lansing’s memory by ensuring accountability at all levels.
“The safety and security of our correctional institutions depend on effective leadership and a commitment to staff welfare,” Mabe concluded.
The families of correctional officers, along with their colleagues and the citizens of Ohio, await decisive actions to prevent further tragedies and to enhance safety protocols in the state’s correctional facilities.
