On Saturday, a group of inmates at Rikers Island helped tear down a plexiglass barrier to defend a female correction officer who was being sexually assaulted by another inmate, the New York Daily News reports. Raleek Young, above, is serving five to 10 years for raping a 13-year-old girl, and was hit with additional charges regarding the guard assault on Monday.

Young reportedly gained access to the "bubble-like watch post" where the victim was working by telling another guard that he needed to travel through the post into another unit. Once inside, he pulled the guard into a bathroom, choked her, and began masturbating.

From the News:

The inmates helped responding correction officers frantically tear away Plexiglas on the outside of the bubble-like watch post inside the Anna M. Kross Center at 8:15 p.m., according to multiple sources.

A skinny inmate slipped inside the so-called "A station" bubble through the small crack and opened the security door. A team of inmates then took down the assailant, Raleek Young, 27, until other officers arrived.

Even correction officers union president Norman Seabrook—who historically regards Rikers inmates in terms usually reserved for particularly troublesome stray dogs—admitted the heroism of those who stepped in.

The situation could have been a lot worse if it was not for the inmates' assistance, Seabrook admitted.

"I appreciate (them) helping a sister officer because that could have been their mother, wife or sister," Seabrook said, noting 90% of the inmates "are there to do their time and go home."

The victim was treated at a hospital following the assault, the News reports.

Image via New York City Department of Correction. Contact the author at andy@gawker.com.