Inmates attack guard at Rikers Island

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A New York City correction officer was stabbed. (Courtesy of COBA)

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Inmates attacked a correction officer at Rikers Island on Wednesday, officials said.

The union that represents guards tweeted that "gang members" jumped the guard inside the Otis Bantum Correctional Center.

Two other correction officers immediate broke up the attack, according to Deputy Commissioner Peter Thorne.

"While not a slashing, today's attack on a Correction Officer on Rikers Island is deeply troubling," Thorne said. "Anyone involved will be re-arrested and placed in punitive segregation."

The officer, whose name hasn't been released, suffered a deep gash on his forehead. He is being treated at Mount Sinai Queens in Astoria.

In recent weeks, inmates have attacked at least six correction officers at Rikers Island facilities.

Inmate assaults on staff members were down in 2017 compared to any year between 2012 to 2015, according to the Department of Correction.