Inmate stabs corrections officer at Cross City Correctional Institution, officer hospitalized

CROSS CITY, Fla. (WCJB) - Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) officials say a correctional officer was taken to the hospital after a violent incident at the state prison in Dixie County on Tuesday morning.

NEW DETAILS: Report details inmate-officer stabbing at Cross City correctional facility

FDOC officials say around 10 a.m., a group of inmates attacked multiple officers at the Cross City Correctional Institution. One of the officers was stabbed with an improvised weapon.

The inmate responsible, Kevin Rolle, was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of contraband, and resisting an officer with violence. Rolle is currently serving multiple sentences for armed robbery.

“I don’t think it is the last time that we’ll be having an interview about a subject like this unfortunately,” said James Baiardi, the Vice President of the Florida Police Benevolent Association while discussing the stabbing.

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital where his condition was only identified as stable.

“One of the worst parts of my job is getting a notification like this, that one of your officers, your members are hurt in the line of duty but this incident is like a reminder of the dangers that Florida Correctional Officers face on a daily basis,” said Baiardi.

The name of the officer who was taken to the hospital has not yet been released.

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“Our prayers go out to the officer injured, we hope for a speedy recovery, we’re very concerned about his well-being,” said Baiardi.

Baiardi says this sadly happens more than people expect.

“It happens and to be quite honest, I think if it happens once it’s a tragedy,” said Baiardi.

Leaders with the FDOC also commented on the situation.

“While this is a tragic incident, the outcome could have been much worse. We stand with our officers as they continue to recover from this senseless act of violence,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon.

“I would like to thank the Office of Inspector General for their swift investigation and for making this prompt arrest. Any violence towards our staff will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Dixon continued.

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