An inmate of the Moshannon Valley Processing Center has filed a federal lawsuit asking for an investigation into his claim that he was “brutally attacked” by another inmate even though he warned authorities of the possible threat on his life.

Pablo David Reyes Ponce, a native of Ecuador, stated in his petition that he informed an officer that his life was in danger, and provided the name of the potential assailant.

“The information provided by me was disregarded, and no preventative measures were taken to ensure my safety,” he stated in his petition that was filed this week in the U.S. District Court in Johnstown.

Ponce stated the attack became a reality at about 8 p.m. on Sept. 2.

He reported that as he was returning from an afternoon spent at a recreational center to his housing unit an MS-13 gang member used a “sharp weapon” to stab him six times in his abdomen.

He stated the attacker was a native of El Salvador.

Another inmate who was witness to the attack “risked his life to prevent the assault from being fatal,” according to his petition.

He stated the attack on him caused him physical and psychological harm.

Ponce added that the person who came to his rescue has also suffered “psychological trauma.”

He included the name of the individual who helped him in his lawsuit.

Ponce concluded the attack was a coordinated effort by MS-13 and Paisas, a Mexican gang.

“This was a premeditated assault designed to harm or kill me, which was documented by security cameras,” he reported in his petition.

Ponce went on to say that after the attack he was placed in solitary confinement for 35 days, during which time he received no medical or psychological care.

He stated that being placed in solitary led to the deterioration of his mental health.

He is suing the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which operates the detention facility, charging that the agency failed to protect him.

Ponce also stated that placement in solitary confinement exacerbated his mental health problems.

His treatment at the Clearfield County facility violated the Fifth and Eighth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States, as well as international law.

Federal Magistrate Judge Keith A. Pesto, who presides in Johnstown, has been assigned to the Ponce case.

Ponce is asking for a “full investigation” of the incident and asks that criminal charges be filed.

He wants immediate release from solitary confinement and compensation.

Ponce in an earlier lawsuit requested he be released from Moshannon Valley, noting he has been there for at least 16 months.

Authorities at Moshannon Moshannon Valley could not be reached for comment concerning Ponce’s lawsuit.