(CLARINDA) – A correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate at the Clarinda Correctional Facility in Clarinda, at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the evening on Tuesday, March 27th.  The correctional officer, along with another officer that was present, was attempting to gain compliance from an inmate that was failing to follow directives when the inmate unexpectedly kicked towards the officer. The officer deployed OC spray (pepper spray) towards the inmate at this time, but the inmate was able to strike the officer in the face with a closed fist. After the officer delivered another application of OC spray, the inmate wrestled the officer to the ground where the officer then used a restraining technique to gain control of the inmate until additional officers responded to assist.

The correctional officer was seen by facility health services and was found to have sustained scratches and bruises from the incident. The officer stayed on duty and completed his shift. The incident remains under investigation.