Rat Bites Inmate's Private Parts in NYC Jail – Real Incident
In a city as advanced and vigilant as New York, you wouldn’t expect a prisoner to face life-altering trauma not from another inmate — but from a rat. Yet that's exactly what happened to Peter Solomon in January 2011, in the Suffolk County jail on Long Island.
— Peter Solomon (Court Testimony)
Who Was Peter Solomon?
Peter Solomon, at the time in his 40s, was being held in the jail on a minor drug-related charge. He wasn’t violent, mentally unstable, or high-profile — just a regular man caught in the cycle of incarceration. But what he experienced one night would forever mark his life.
The Night of the Attack
It was a cold winter night in January. Like many inmates, Solomon was attempting to sleep on his cot. The jail was already under scrutiny for overcrowding and poor sanitation — complaints that had become far too common. According to his account, Solomon had been noticing rat droppings around his bed for days, and had even requested a transfer.
But his request was ignored. That night, he awoke to an excruciating pain in his genitals. Disoriented and in agony, he threw off his sheets and was horrified to find a rat inside the mattress — and it had bitten him on the penis.
Hospitalization & Aftermath
Solomon was rushed to the medical ward. Reports said he had to undergo emergency treatment, including antibiotics, wound cleaning, and further observation for infections. But the damage was done. He claimed permanent injury to his genitals, resulting in dysfunction and psychological trauma.
The Lawsuit Against Suffolk County
Within weeks, Peter Solomon filed a lawsuit against Suffolk County and the jail facility. His claim was that the jail had been grossly negligent — aware of a rat infestation but doing nothing to protect inmates from physical harm.
He sought damages for:
- Permanent genital damage
- Loss of sexual function
- Psychological trauma
- Violation of basic human rights
— Solomon’s Attorney
Public Outcry and Media Response
When the news broke, it caused national and even international outrage. The idea that someone in a U.S. jail — not a third-world prison — could be attacked by rats was disturbing on many levels. Media outlets like Gothamist, NY Daily News, and even overseas tabloids covered the story.
Critics pointed fingers at the jail system, demanding answers about its maintenance protocols. Many former inmates shared their stories of poor hygiene, ignored complaints, and dangerous living conditions behind bars.
How Could This Happen?
According to former jail employees and investigative reports, there were clear red flags:
- Persistent complaints about rats and mice
- Poor food storage practices
- Broken infrastructure that allowed rodent access
- Inadequate pest control contracts
In Solomon’s case, it was revealed that the mattress he was sleeping on was already infested, and nothing had been done to clean or replace it. He wasn’t just unlucky — he was ignored.
Medical and Psychological Fallout
The medical documents cited in the lawsuit showed permanent damage to nerve tissue and erectile dysfunction. Beyond the physical, Solomon was haunted by fear and PTSD — afraid of sleeping in the dark, afraid of unseen dangers.
Therapists working with him noted he exhibited classic trauma symptoms: nightmares, trust issues, hyper-vigilance, and recurring intrusive thoughts.
Legal Status and Settlement
While the final settlement was not publicly disclosed, sources suggest the county agreed to a monetary settlement to avoid a long, public trial. The case, however, opened the door to many similar lawsuits from inmates who faced harm due to negligence.
What This Case Tells Us About the System
The Peter Solomon case isn’t just about one horrifying night. It’s about a broken system that forgets the humanity of its prisoners. Even if someone is behind bars, they are entitled to basic safety and dignity.
Whether it's a rat attack, medical negligence, or assault from guards or inmates — every abuse points to a bigger issue of accountability and reform.
Has anything changed?
There have been some facility upgrades and pest control changes reported post-incident, but many say it’s not enough. Human rights groups continue to monitor jail conditions across the U.S., especially in smaller county jails that lack scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
Peter Solomon's story is haunting — and it should be. It forces us to ask: how safe are our jails really? If a rat can do what it did in one of the world’s most developed cities, how many similar horrors go unreported?
Behind every locked cell is a human being — and every story like Solomon’s demands justice, reform, and above all — awareness.
Source: Gothamist, NY Daily News, Court Filings
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