FORT MADISON – Officials with the Iowa Dept. of Corrections report a correctional officer was assaulted by two inmates at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Authorities say the officer was conducting his rounds on a unit when two inmates began assaulting him with closed-fist punches and kicks. The officer utilized defensive techniques while additional staff quickly responded to the assault and took control of the situation by using a combination of pepper spray and physical restraining techniques.

The officer that was assaulted was taken by department vehicle to the local hospital where he was treated and released for lacerations suffered during the assault. The inmates that attacked him were found not to have suffered significant injuries. The incident remains under investigation.