SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - In a disturbing incident at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, an inmate assaulted a female Aramark employee on Sunday morning. The attack occurred in the meat cooler of the Jameson Annex at approximately 8:00 a.m., according to multiple sources.

Following the assault, the injured employee was swiftly transported to a local hospital via ambulance at 8:45 a.m. The extent of her injuries has not been disclosed at this time.

As a precautionary measure, the Jameson Annex has been placed on lockdown to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates. Consequently, inmate visits, which were taking place during the incident, were immediately canceled.

Dakota News Now has reached out to Aramark food service for a statement regarding the incident, but their response is still awaited. It is unclear at this time what might have prompted the inmate's violent behavior.

The investigation into the assault is ongoing, and authorities are actively gathering more details about the incident. Dakota News Now will continue to provide updates on this developing story, both online and on-air, as more information becomes available.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the South Dakota State Penitentiary or local law enforcement to assist in their investigation.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and remain informed through credible news sources regarding any developments or safety precautions issued in relation to this incident.