Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections late Monday night, reported that a Corrections Officer at the Clarinda Corrections Facility, was assaulted by an inmate at approximately 6:37-p.m., Monday.

The officer was performing his routine duties at his station when he was confronted by an inmate. After a verbal exchange, the inmate unexpectedly began striking the officer with closed fists. The officer, while attempting to block the strikes, was able to utilize his oleoresin capsicum spray (pepper spray) on his attacker. After approximately 20 seconds, the officer was able to gain control of the aggressive inmate, and additional officers arrived to assist in taking control of the situation.

The officer was taken to the Clarinda Regional Health Center to be evaluated and treated, and was released later that evening. The incident remains under investigation.