Photo: sakhorn38 / iStock / Getty Images
Florida City, FL - An inmate serving a life sentence for first-degree murder is facing new charges after allegedly stabbing a corrections officer inside Dade Correctional Institution in Florida City.
According to an arrest report, authorities identified the inmate as 44-year-old Jarvis D. Fortson, who is now charged with attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence.
The Florida Department of Corrections said the incident occurred on Monday when Officer Raj Mitchell noticed Fortson was outside of his assigned cell.
Investigators said a verbal confrontation followed, during which Fortson allegedly became aggressive and warned the officer that he would “regret it” if the cell door was closed.
Fortson then reportedly attacked Mitchell with a homemade weapon, stabbing him several times before other officers intervened and restrained him.
Officials said the weapon, described as a metal shank, was recovered at the scene.
Mitchell was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center and treated for his injuries.
He was later listed in stable condition, according to the report.
Records show Fortson has been serving a life sentence for a 1999 first-degree murder conviction out of Gadsden County.
Authorities said he remains in custody and is expected to face prosecution for the new charges.
The Department of Corrections confirmed an internal review is underway following the attack.