TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. (WHKY) — Alexander Correctional Institution remained on lockdown Thursday after an officer was assaulted and more than 60 inmates refused to return to their housing areas.

State prison officials say the incident began Wednesday when an offender assaulted a correctional officer. Following the assault, a group of more than 60 inmates on a recreation yard refused staff orders to return to the building and their housing areas.

Members of the Prison Emergency Response Team were called to the facility. Officials say the inmates ended the protest and returned peacefully after the emergency team arrived, approximately three hours after the refusal began.

The injured officer received medical treatment. The prison remained on lockdown Thursday afternoon while the incident was investigated.

Alexander Correctional Institution, located on Old Landfill Road in Taylorsville, houses male close- and minimum-custody offenders and has a listed capacity of 1,180.