ANAMOSA– Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections report a correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate at approximately 7:22 a.m., Saturday.

The officer was handing out medications to inmates on a cellblock at the prison when an inmate unexpectedly began assaulting the officer by placing her in a chokehold. She was able to use personal safety defensive techniques until additional staff in the area were able to respond and assist in taking control of the attacking inmate.

The officer was taken by department vehicle to the local hospital for medical review, and has since been released suffering bruising from the assault. The inmate was not seriously injured.

The incident remains under investigation.