Correctional officer at Iowa Medical Classification Center assaulted by inmate in wheelchair

CORALVILLE - A staff member at the Iowa Medical Classification Center in Coralville received minor injuries after he was assaulted by an inmate in a wheelchair Thursday.

According to a media release from the Iowa Department of Corrections, at 2:05 p.m. Thursday afternoon, the staff member, a corrections officer at the facility, placed handcuffs on the inmate, who is confined to a wheelchair, and entered the cell to assist in moving him. At this time, according to the release, the inmate struck the officer on one side of his head with both of his fists and handcuffs.

The inmate was 'immediately restrained with the assistance of another officer,” according to the release, and there was no further incident.

The injured officer was initially examined by on-site medical staff and was found to have bruising and scratches from the attack. After continuing his duties, he began to suffer from headaches, and as a precautionary measure he was escorted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics by another officer for further examination, according to the release.

The incident remains under investigation.