WASHINGTON — A D.C. Jail inmate accused of stabbing a corrections officer nine times during lockdown — and later threatening another officer in a signed drawing — has been indicted on multiple felony charges.
Ovid Gabriel, 21, was indicted on Feb. 27 in connection with the Aug. 3, 2025, attack and an Aug. 11, 2025, threat against a separate corrections officer, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced Friday.
According to federal prosecutors, Gabriel faces one count each of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful introduction of contraband into a penal institution, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and felony threats.
Prosecutors allege that on Aug. 3, 2025, Gabriel was standing in the doorway of his cell as corrections officers conducted lockdown procedures at the D.C. Jail.
When an officer approached and ordered him to return to his cell, Gabriel refused and attacked the officer, according to the government’s evidence. Authorities say he produced an improvised knife and stabbed the officer nine times.
The officer was hospitalized for approximately three weeks and underwent lifesaving surgery, prosecutors said.
About a week after the stabbing, on Aug. 11, 2025, corrections officers discovered a drawing on a cell wall depicting Gabriel holding a knife over a named corrections officer, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege Gabriel signed the drawing and acknowledged that he created it. That incident led to the felony threats charge included in the indictment.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck is prosecuting.
An indictment is a formal accusation and not evidence of guilt. Gabriel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
