Ovid Gabriel, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, District of Columbia 2025

WASHINGTON – In a shocking turn of events, a violent inmate at the D.C. Jail has been indicted on multiple charges related to the stabbing of a corrections officer on August 3, 2025, and threats against a separate corrections officer on August 11, 2025. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Ovid Gabriel, 21, was taken into custody after allegedly attacking a corrections officer with an improvised knife, leaving the victim with nine stab wounds. The victim spent approximately three weeks in the hospital and underwent life-saving surgery.

According to the government’s evidence, the incident occurred when corrections officers were performing lockdown in the cellblock. Gabriel refused to go into his cell when ordered to do so by an officer and launched a brutal attack. The officer was stabbed multiple times, leaving him in critical condition.

The incident was caught on camera, and the footage was used as evidence in the indictment. In addition to the assault charge, Gabriel is also facing charges of unlawful introduction of contraband into a penal institution, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and felony threats.

On August 11, 2025, approximately one week after the stabbing, officers discovered a drawing on a cell wall depicting Gabriel holding a knife over a corrections officer, who was identified by name in the drawing. The drawing was signed by Gabriel, who acknowledged that he drew it and made the threat against the officer.

Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case highlights the dangers faced by corrections officers on a daily basis and the need for increased security measures to protect them. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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