FORT MADISON – Officials with the Iowa Department of Corrections, Saturday, said that on the evening of Friday, January 7, a correctional officer was assaulted by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary.

The department can confirm that the inmate approached the officer at his post and a short time after the inmate began assaulting the officer. Nearby staff were alerted and responded to restrain the inmate. As a result of the incident, the facility has been placed on modified restricted movement until further notice.

The officer was transported by department vehicle to the local hospital and after further evaluation was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for examination and observation. The department continues to follow the recovery of the officer closely. The inmate was found to have not suffered any injuries.

The department is continuing to collect and confirm all details and the incident remains under investigation.