Actor Sean Penn recounted an unnerving experience in Los Angeles County Jail where he briefly considered attacking serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the "Night Stalker."

Penn, then in his mid-20s and already an established actor, spent 34 days in the jail, according to a recent interview with VICE News. He was moved to solitary confinement due to a perceived threat. During his isolation, he found himself just feet away from Ramirez, separated by a wire glass door. Both were insomniacs, leading to occasional encounters.

One such encounter occurred when Penn was escorted out of his cell for a phone call, shackled and belly-chained. He entered a room to find Ramirez already present, also waiting for a call. Penn recalled being the only one in the room with Ramirez, describing the circumstances as "crazy."

"I did have that question. I knew what he did to some of these people... I'm right next to him. I could, I could..." Penn stated, trailing off as the interviewer prompted, "Flatten him out."

Despite the proximity and knowledge of Ramirez's crimes, Penn ultimately decided against any physical confrontation. He expressed gratitude for not acting on the impulse, realizing he was not important enough to take such action. Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders during a spree in Southern California in 1984 and 1985. His reign of terror ended when residents recognized him and apprehended him before police arrived.

Ramirez died in 2013 while awaiting execution on death row. Years prior, Penn shared another anecdote about his time in jail with Ramirez. The serial killer had reportedly requested Penn's autograph. Penn, cautious about contraband, arranged for a sergeant to approve the exchange. Ramirez sent Penn a note that read, "Hey Sean, stay tough and hit them again — Richard Ramirez, 666," complete with a pentagram and a drawing of the devil.

Penn wrote back, stating, "You know, Richard, it’s impossible to be incarcerated and not feel a certain kinship with your fellow inmates. Well, Richard, I’ve done the impossible. I feel absolutely no kinship with you. And I hope gas descends upon you before sanity does, you know? It would be a kinder way out."

The signed item from Ramirez was later destroyed in a house fire years later, according to Penn.