Inmate attacks staff at Stillwater prison

Minnesota prison officials are investigating an attack by an inmate who injured four workers at the Stillwater prison Wednesday. Two of the injured were sent to the hospital for treatment, and charges may be filed soon against the inmate.

The incident happened during the lunch hour Wednesday, when an inmate approached staff in the food service area with a complaint, and attacked prison workers without warning, according to Minnesota Department of Corrections spokesman John Schadl.

A contract food service worker and a corrections officer were hurt and taken by ambulance to a local hospital, according to Schadl. Both were treated and released. Two other employees were also slightly hurt in the incident, but were treated at the prison.

Schadl says the incident is under investigation by Department of Corrections officials, and that the matter may be sent to the Washington County Attorney's office for criminal charges.

The Stillwater prison houses about 1,600 inmates, including some of the state's most violent offenders.