Inmate attacks nurse, guards at Bridgewater State Hospital

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. — Authorities say an inmate at Bridgewater State Hospital attacked and injured a nurse and three corrections officers at the medium security facility.

A Massachusetts Department of Correction spokesman says the incident began Tuesday when the unidentified patient charged a nurse from behind and punched her so hard that she was knocked to the ground.

The patient began kicking the nurse while she was down and corrections officers sprang into action.

At least one of the guards was hit in the face. Three officers sought medical attention on their own. The nurse went to the emergency room for treatment of injuries to her head and knees.

The DOC spokesman says attacks of this kind are "fairly rare" at the facility, although employees are at risk given the nature of their work.

Cox Media Group