FOLSOM—

A correctional officer is recovering from an attack by a California State Prison-Sacramento inmate, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said.

The attack happened late Saturday afternoon during a random search of the inmate’s cell.

Officials say that the inmate, 39-year-old Delvin E. Cottingham, punched the officer, causing him to fall to the ground. Cottingham is then said to have jumped onto the officer on the ground, continuing to punch the officer in the face. It took a second officer to fight off Cottingham.

The officer had to be taken to the hospital for numerous injuries, including fractures to both sides of his nose, a fracture to his left eye socket and abrasions all over his face.

Cottingham is noted to be serving a 42-years-to-life sentence on a first-degree murder charge, among other convictions. He has been transferred to the prison’s Administrative Segregation Unit as a result of the attack.

Officials note that the officer is a nearly eight-year veteran of the Department of Corrections. He is currently recovering from the injuries at home.