The office of Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard announced the sentence of Joshua Travis Rossman, 23, Thursday.

Rossman was sentenced to eight years in jail, followed by three years probation, in a Lexington County court Thursday, for assault and battery, first degree, of a correctional officer.

Rossman was serving time in the Lexington County Detention Center on unrelated charges when he engaged in a verbal altercation with a correctional officer who was in the process of locking down the pod. According to the Solicitor’s Office, Rossman struck the officer in the face with a closed fist. In an effort to retreat, the officer left the area, and was pursued by Rossman, who struck the officer again. The officer eventually fell motionless on the ground.

Rossman then took the officer’s taser and pointed it at another officer who was attempting to provide assistance. After a brief standoff, it was reported that Rossman surrendered but continued his aggressive behavior. He was eventually placed in a restraint chair.

The officer was transported to the Lexington Medical Center emergency room. He sustained serious fractures to his knee and ankle as a result of the attack. He was in the hospital for more than three weeks, and underwent several medical procedures. The officer has not returned to work since the incident occurred.

The Sheriff’s Department and Detention Center Command Staff were present during sentencing and showed their support for the injured correctional officer. Rossman has a prior conviction for assault and battery. He will be transported to the Department of Corrections to begin his sentence.