FORT MADISON – A correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary at approximately 8:15 a.m. this (Wednesday) morning.  According to the Iowa Dept. of Corrections, the officer was escorting an inmate to his cell when another inmate approached the officer and began assaulting him with closed-fist strikes to the officer’s face. Additional officers were in the area and immediately began using defensive techniques while restraining the attacking inmate.

The officer that was assaulted was taken via department vehicle to the local hospital for medical treatment for injuries suffered during the assault. The officer suffered a broken nose from the assault. The inmate has been evaluated by medical staff and found to have not suffered significant injuries.

The incident remains under investigation.