The Connecticut Department of Correction said that two correction officers were stabbed at a Newtown facility on Tuesday.
The attacker was identified as 35-year-old inmate Joe Baltas. Authorities said that he used a sharpened toothbrush to stab one of the officers in the neck and the other’s torso.
He was “immediately secured and transported to the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution’s Restrictive Housing Unit.”
Baltas is serving a life sentence for murder at the Garner Correctional Institute where the attack unfolded.
DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros issued a heartfelt statement following the attack on the officers.
“As Commissioner, this is my worst fear- that our brave staff members are attacked and injured. I rushed to the hospital as soon as I learned of the assault, and thank God, they are all right,” he said.
“This is a sobering reminder of the dangers our courageous correctional professionals face on a daily basis.”
“We must always remain vigilant. I am doubling down on my efforts to ensure the safety of these fine men and women.”
