WALLA WALLA -- A Washington State Penitentiary inmate has been charged with assaulting a correctional officer who was stabbed with a sharpened toothbrush.

The officer took several blows Feb. 4 and suffered bumps and bruises because a memo notebook pad in a shirt pocket prevented the weapon from penetrating.

Castulo J. Rivas was charged this week in Walla Walla with assault. Another inmate involved in the fight, Juan Valdez, was charged with custodial assault.

Four officers injured in the fight were treated at a hospital.

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