A corrections officer at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton was stabbed multiple times Wednesday by an inmate, according to the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Associations.
The inmate, who was not identified, used a homemade, 7-inch long weapon to stab the officer in the right shoulder and twice in the area of his neck, the PBA said in a statement. He also suffered several cuts to his face.
The officer was found covered in blood and was rushed to the medical wing of the prison, authorities said.
As of Thursday evening, the officer was at home recovering from his injuries, officials said.
Authorities did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.
In the wake of the alleged attack, PBA Local 105 President William Sullivan called for the passage of two state bills, A2378 and S3201, which would increase the penalties for assaulting police officers and mandate that sentences be served consecutively, rather than concurrently “as has been the practice in recent years within the judicial system.”
“This unprovoked and heinous attempted murder of one of our officers underscores the urgent need for significant legislative action,” Sullivan said. “We cannot afford to wait until one of us is killed; meaningful reform is needed immediately.”
A2378 was introduced in January of this year and was referred to the state Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee while S3201 was introduced earlier this month and referred to the same committee in the state senate.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
