A seemingly routine cell check at the Penitentiary of New Mexico turned violent on June 12th. Inmate Cain Esquivel, 36, now faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing corrections officer Eric Lozano in a surprise attack.
According to investigators and the source Yahoo , the incident unfolded during a standard “shakedown” of Esquivel’s cell. Lozano and another officer, following protocol, handcuffed Esquivel through the cell’s food port.
However, in a daring move, Esquivel managed to slip his right hand free from the restraints. Capitalizing on the element of surprise, he then assaulted Lozano with a makeshift weapon – a “shank” reportedly fashioned from scavenged materials like wood, tape, string, and metal.
Thankfully, Lozano’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he received treatment at the prison’s medical unit. The incident raises serious concerns about contraband within the facility.
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Authorities are still investigating how Esquivel managed to obtain the weapon, highlighting a potential security breach within the high-security penitentiary.
This brazen attack underscores the constant dangers faced by corrections officers who perform vital but inherently risky tasks.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance within correctional institutions, alongside robust procedures and protocols to ensure officer safety during cell checks and other interactions with inmates.