By C1 Staff
NEW YORK — The Rikers Island correctional officer who was assaulted by an inmate late last month is speaking out for the first time in an interview with the NY Daily News.
The woman, whose name has been withheld, said she feared for her life when Raleek Young attacked her, but is thankful for the inmates and officers who rescued her.
“I’m so appreciative of those inmates and the two [correctional officers],” she said. “Who knows what would have happened to me? How long it would have continued.”
She said she’s struggled since the incident occurred, but ‘refused to be violated.’ She said she tried to use pepper spray on Young, but that it didn’t work. She thought she was going to die until the inmates and officers pried back Plexiglass to get inside the post where Young was holding her hostage.
She’s also grateful for all the support she’s received from other officers, many of whom showed up for Young’s court appearances.
Young was indicted Tuesday for attempted rape, forcible touching, assault and harassment in the attack on the officer. He was already serving time for raping a 13-year-old girl.
Inmates in the Anna M. Kross Facility on Rikers have been moved to other wings in the facility.
The unit was deemed unsafe by Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte due to relying on a manual locking system that was easily defeated by Young. The department is working on installing automatic electronic doors that will allow for remote opening and closing from a central post.
The head of the Corrections Officers’ Benevolent Association, Norman Seabrook, was pleased to see Ponte “taking a proactive approach in safety for officers.”
Ponte has also stated that he will outline a 14-point plan to help curtail violence that will be unveiled Thursday.