Officials: Prison guard needs surgery after being hit by inmate

A female corrections officer was struck in the face by an inmate at Philadelphia's House of Correction on Wednesday, causing an injury that will likely require surgery, authorities said Thursday.

The officer was hit by 26-year-old Ricky Smith during a routine wellness check of a cell block around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to prison spokeswoman Shawn Hawes.

The officer, whom Hawes did not identify, suffered a "pretty severe" laceration to her face, Hawes said. The officer had been treated and released from the hospital but the injury will likely require future surgery, Hawes said.

Police were investigating potential charges, Hawes said.

Smith was in custody for a parole violation and charges including resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, according to court records.

Hawes said an initial report indicated that another inmate encouraged Smith to strike the officer, but it was not clear why. It was also not immediately clear whether he had a weapon when he struck her, Hawes said.

The officer has worked with the prison system since 2013, Hawes said.

Chris Palmer