- An inmate at a jail in Fulton County, Georgia, tunneled his way into a neighboring cell.
- He then stabbed a fellow inmate multiple times, causing superficial wounds, deputies said.
Kavian Thomas, an inmate at the Rice Street jail in Fulton County, Georgia, tunneled his way into an adjacent cell last Wednesday, where he allegedly stabbed another inmate, according to Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office said that on May 17 Thomas dug a hole in a shower wall made of concrete and metal to get into the neighboring cell, which is where authorities say he stabbed Derondney Russell multiple times, per WSB-TV.
Russell sustained "superficial stab wounds to his upper body" before being taken to the jail's medical unit to be treated for his non-life-threatening injuries, officials said, according to ABC News.
WBS-TV reported that law enforcement authorities searched both cells, where they found at least five weapons. Among these were makeshift shanks crafted from parts of the dilapidated jail building, per Fox 5 Atlanta.
"This jail has clearly outlived its useful life," interim Fulton County Jail commander Curtis Clark said in a press release provided to ABC News.
Clark added that the condition of the building makes the "reality" of providing a safe environment for inmates and staff very challenging, per WSB-TV.
It's not clear what charges Thomas was in jail for this time, but records show somebody with the same name having previously been booked for rioting in a penal institution, arson, and criminal damage to property, among other charges.
The Sheriff's Office said in a statement provided to Insider that additional criminal charges against Thomas are pending.