Six inmates at the Pearl River County, Miss. jail face various felony charges after a corrections officer was attacked in a botched escape attempt, authorities said.
An officer was dispensing medication inside the jail just after 10 p.m. Saturday when several prisoners housed in a cell containing 19 inmates attacked him, Chief Deputy Aaron Russell Jr. of the Pearl River County Sheriff's Department said.
An officer who was standing in a hall when the melee began secured a gate, called for assistance and retrieved a weapon, Russell said.
Both officers were able to get the inmates back in the cell before Poplarville Police and deputies arrived, Russell said.
He said the officer who fought off the inmates was transported to Crosby Memorial Hospital where he was treated for unspecified injuries and released. The second officer was not injured.
An investigation resulted in felony charges being levied against the six inmates who were being held on charges ranging from probation violation to armed robbery.
Justice Court Judge James Hal Breland ordered the inmates held without bond on the new charges during an initial appearance Monday.
Russell said he believed the escape attempt was planned.
If convicted on all counts, the inmates could receive penalties ranging from 10 to 45 years in prison.