Inmate assaults 2 staff members, one seriously injured, officials say

Two staff members were injured at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on Wednesday after being assaulted by an inmate, officials said. 

Corrections officials said one staff member sustained a “serious” injury, including a cut that needed a topical adhesive and bruising. The second staff member sustained bruising.

Corrections officials said an inmate verbally threatened a staff member and punched the staff member in the face and head. A second staff member who arrived to assist, was punched in the head. The first staff member used pepper spray during the situation. Additional staff members restrained the inmate.

NDCS said both staff members were treated at a Lincoln hospital and returned to work and the incident will be investigated, with findings provided to the county attorney for determination of criminal prosecution. The NDCS disciplinary process will be utilized with sanctions, such as loss of good time, applied according to the rules and regulations.