Enraged security guard stabs boss in eye, neck and legs, police sources say

[ALEX]

An enraged security guard whose job was on the line viciously slashed his boss in a lower Manhattan building early Monday, police sources said.

The 35-year-old worker flew into a rage after his supervisor threatened to cut him loose. "He told him that he might lose his job," said a police source.

The guard wielded a sharp weapon and sliced his boss in the right eye, neck and legs, police said.

Paramedics took the 60-year-old victim to Bellevue Hospital, where he was in stable condition.

The guard, who has prior arrests, was captured on video fleeing shortly after the 4 a.m. attack, sources said. No one has been arrested, and neither the guard nor the victim was identified.

[Local Talent]

In a profession where low pay, lousy job image and constant abuse from the public take a toll, along with the long hours, that's unfortunately not so surprising. Lots of security guys are time bombs.

The disturbing part to me was:
The guard, who has prior arrests[...]
But then, knowing what I know, I shouldn't bat an eye at stuff like that.

[black knife]

Since the victim was taken to the Bellevue Hospital I assume this incident took place in New York. I guess NY does not prevent criminals from becoming security guards.

[Local Talent]

I'm like you and have a zero-tolerance for past arrests, drug use, etc. Scary to see some people wear uniforms or even carry weapons. Unfortunately, and realistically (when even some PDs look the other way for some "non-violent" offenders and other "casual users"), what we're talking about (less than squeaky-clean background) is not uncommon at all.

When you consider that a lot of entry-level unarmed gigs pay barely above minimum wage, it's also to be expected that the talent pool be rather shallow, and the water, um... cloudy, at times. ;)

But I'd rather not relate online things I found out about some "professionals" at our level of this industry, brother. I regularly check the BSIS site for proper licensing and possible complaints, and it's amazing what one finds sometimes. :eek: With the money we command and the clientele we protect, it's unacceptable to me.

Regarding the OP, I think it's just a case of a guy not handling well the job's pressures and the current economy, and who might've had a few issues to begin with. Again due to the low pay, a lot of security guards are uneducated and/or recent immigrants, and I've seen this cause quite a few frictions and misunderstandings with bosses and co-workers, too.
First time I hear of a stabbing, but I'm not too surprised, no... Not a NY thing at all, I'm afraid.

[Lone Wolf]

Education, Socio Economical Up bringing, Lack of skills / learning capabilities, Actual Education... So on all play into these things, Here in Florida just to find someone that:
A. Speaks, reads and writes english is next to impossible
B. IF A is obtained, their ability to spell is secondary, the education level in this state is one of the worst in the nation and with the decline of society as it is, I do not see any quick improvement in that happening any time soon..

[Shockley]

What the.....The guard, who has prior arrests! What ever happened to background checks. I wonder if the company they WORKED for will be responsible for any part of the outcome. Unfortunate for the older guy, but since when do people get prior warning of getting canned. Maybe the older guy just liked to make threats.

[Local Talent]

Not all arrests are automatic disqualifiers for a guard card or even gun permit (in CA anyway). They take into consideration the type of offense. I think that ANY felony is a non-starter in private security, though. They even issue CCWs to people who've had minor scrapes with the law, if I'm not mistaken.

And CA being an "at will" state as far as employment is concerned, you'd think they'd dump someone at the first sign that they're a liability, right? But in reality, I've seen employers drag their feet for fear of getting sued anyway or to avoid paying unemployment benefits (very common, that).

So I've seen guys remain at a job when everyone knew they shouldn't, making me shake my head in disbelief. Sometimes I think there's less tolerance in the low-paying jobs than for those in EP, BTW.

I'm with you, guys...

[Lone Wolf]

Thats very true not all arrests and / or convictions will disqualify you from getting cards in most states within the UNITED STATES.. HOWEVER... MAYBE IT SHOULD!!! Although if they did then how would some of these employers fill low paying positions.. Kinda reminds me of a movie I saw once NATIONAL SECURITY, where two LEO's were standing outside their vehicle eating and one said to the other one.. He's a wannabe and the other one said no he was in Chino... Turns out he had been in Chino...

[Local Talent]

Although if they did then how would some of these employers fill low paying positions..
I think that's the bottom line, sad as it is.

To be fair, having had some trouble (or having bad credit) doesn't necessarily mean that one is dishonest and untrustworthy. I remember running into some LEOs forced to work private security during the rampart scandal here in LA, and none of them were Rafael Perez types. Some good people get caught up in witch hunts and other unfair circumstances, and security jobs offer them a paycheck while they get things sorted out.

That's not the case of the guard in the OP, however. Still, we don't know exactly what kind of record he has, although "prior arrestS" doesn't sound good at all...