An apparent argument between two correctional officers at Odom Prison has led to bloodshed, the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald of Ahoskie reported this morning.

James Bell, 44, of North Church Street, Jackson, was arrested this morning after he allegedly stabbed another officer, 47-year-old Ronald Vaughan of Firetower Road, Jackson.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. off prison property at a small country store located at the end of the road leading to the correctional facility.

Vaughan was transported by Northampton County EMS to Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids. His medical condition is unknown at this time.

Bell was being processed at the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office late Tuesday morning. Sheriff Wardie Vincent told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald that Bell had yet to appear before a magistrate and have a bond set. Vincent added that Bell will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

“There may be other charges against Mr. Bell,” Vincent said.

Vincent said the physical altercation between the two officers occurred off the Odom Prison property. However, he said it actually began inside the prison’s walls.

“From what we can ascertain at this point, there was a misunderstanding between the two officers over some paperwork and a disagreement ensued,” Vincent stated. “At some point during that disagreement, a statement was made by one of the officers that, ‘I’ll meet you at the store when you leave work.’ It was at that store where the two men met and a tussle took place. Mr. Bell allegedly pulled a knife and cut Mr. Vaughan several times.”

Vincent said Vaughan was a veteran officer at Odom, working there over 20 years. He added that Bell was in his first year as a correctional officer.