An inmate at the state correctional institution at Mahanoy, Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, has been charged with attempting to kill a guard at the facility on Saturday.

State police at Frackville have charged William Amos Cramer, 24, now an inmate at SCI-Frackville, with attempted murder in the first degree, assault by a life prisoner and other related felony and misdemeanor charges. The name of the guard is being withheld.According to troopers about 8:40 a.m. Cramer attacked a guard at the prison with a shank and caused critical injuries to the guard by slashing his neck and arms. Staff at the prison were able to stop the attack and subdue Cramer. The staff also were able to get the victim immediate medical attention. He was taken to a hospital and his condition was stabilized, troopers said.Troopers said their investigation revealed Cramer intentionally attempted to kill the guard. On Monday the county district attorney’s office approved the charges.At 2:30 p.m. Monday Cramer was arraigned before District Judge Anthony Kilker of Shenandoah. Bail was set at $1 million straight cash. He was then returned to SCI-Frackville. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 17 before Kilker.