ANAMOSA – The Iowa Department of Corrections reports a staff member was assaulted by an inmate at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa at approximately 11:30-a.m. today (Friday).

The staff member, a correctional officer, was working at his post when an inmate jumped across the officer’s desk and kicked him in the face. The inmate then landed several closed-fist strikes on the officer, who then used defensive tactics to subdue the inmate until additional staff could respond moments later and restrain the aggressive inmate.

The staff member was escorted to the local hospital, was found to have suffered a broken nose, and has since been released. The inmate was seen by medical staff and found to have no major injuries from the incident.

Authorities say the incident remains under investigation.