Fla. Corrections Officer Fatally Stabbed by Inmate

Sgt. Ruben Thomas, 24, was stabbed in the neck with a shank by Richard Franklin while on duty at the Columbia Correctional Institution near Lake City in northern Florida.

A Florida corrections officer was fatally stabbed on Sunday by an inmate serving a life sentence for murder, the agency announced.

Sgt. Ruben Thomas, 24, was stabbed in the neck with a shank by Richard Franklin while on duty at the Columbia Correctional Institution near Lake City in northern Florida. Thomas had worked for the Florida Department of Corrections for six years.

A second officer, William Brewer, was also assaulted. Brewer was treated and released but requires additional medical attention.

"Sgt. Thomas is described as a solid and highly respected member of the agency and will be remembered in the highest regard," said Ken Tucker, secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections. "Our condolences go out to his family."

Franklin began serving his life sentence for murder in 1995. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting the investigation.

Related:

Prison Shanks

About the Author