ANAMOSA – Officials with the Iowa Department of Correction say a correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate at the Anamosa State Penitentiary at approximately 7:40-p.m., Friday. The officer was observing the distribution of medications to inmates on a mental health unit when an inmate refused to comply with taking a required prescription.

After being verbally directed to take his medication, the inmate refused and unexpectedly struck the officer in the face with a closed-fist strike. The officer that was attacked, as well as additional officers that responded to the incident were able to place the inmate in restraints without further incident.

The officer was taken by State vehicle to the Jones Regional Medical Center to be evaluated and was found to have suffered injuries to his face and hand. The inmate did not suffer any major injuries. The incident remains under investigation.