Inmate accused of attacking guard

A prison inmate in Hawaii is under investigation for attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a guard several times.

The 45-year-old inmate used a “;homemade shank”; in attacking the 52-year-old guard sitting at a control station at Oahu Community Correctional Center at about 10:40 a.m. yesterday, state corrections officials said.

State Public Safety Director Clayton Frank said officials were investigating the motive for the attack.

Frank said he does not believe there was bad blood between the two and described the guard, a sergeant, as a “;firm but fair person.”;

The alleged attacker is serving time for murder.

The victim, with the help of other witnesses, subdued the inmate, police said.

The stabbing victim went to the hospital on his own and was determined to be in good condition, police said.

Man charged in pharmacy robbery

Big Island police have charged 28-year-old Paul Santoro in connection with a robbery Tuesday at a Hilo pharmacy.

Santoro was charged Wednesday evening with first-degree robbery, three counts of first-degree terroristic threatening and one count each of second-degree assault, third-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, place to keep a loaded firearm, place to keep ammunition, permit to acquire a firearm and registration mandatory.

Detectives discovered that the rifle used in the robbery was taken in a home burglary on Monday. Santoro was charged additionally with one count of first-degree burglary and one count of first-degree theft.

Santoro's bail was set at $223,300. He is being held in the Hilo police cellblock.