By C1 Staff
RIKERS ISLAND, N.Y. — A Rikers Island CO was slashed in the arm and assaulted by an inmate while collecting meal trays Sunday.
During morning meals, an inmate left his cell without permission and began assaulting the CO, according to the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association.
A second officer came over and attempted to stop the attack, but the inmate continued to throw punches at both COs, PIX11 reports.
The inmate took a scalpel blade wrapped in black electrical tape and slashed one of the officers in the right arm before being restrained. The weapon was discovered on the cell’s floor.
The attack comes two weeks after another CO was slashed in the face by a prisoner who reached through a tray slot. The weapon was not discovered at the scene.
According to PIX11, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Correction Commissioner Joe Ponte released a report stating the total number of inmate assaults on officers is down by 20 percent — the first time since 2011. Stabbing and slashings are also reportedly down from 87 to 78 incidents.
Breaking News! Another Correction Officer Slashed by Inmate on Rikers Island.https://t.co/aEMoSc4Vix pic.twitter.com/HTfDMLc4pJ
— COBA (@NYCCOBA1) August 7, 2016