CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) — A correctional officer who was beaten by an inmate has been released from the hospital.

The Cumberland Times-News reports (http://bit.ly/1qRLRFq ) the 54-year-old sergeant at the Western Correctional Institution was repeatedly punched by an inmate early Friday morning. An official with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services says the sergeant, whose name was not released, was punched by 38-year-old Juan Alston, who is serving a 60-year sentence for homicide. The official says the sergeant was punched in the facility’s kitchen area at around 2:30 a.m. and that the sergeant was talking to Alston about his job performance when it happened.

The officer was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

Alston was transferred to the North Branch Correctional Institution.

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