A corrections officer at Cumberland County Jail is at the center of an investigation following a physical confrontation involving an inmate.

Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce says the incident happened Tuesday during “med-pass,” the time of day when inmates receive medications.

Corrections Officer Vinal Thompson approached the inmate, who was causing a disturbance, to place him in handcuffs and remove him from the pod. The inmate backed up as Thompson reached out to grab him. Joyce says Officer Thompson then “immediately began to punch the inmate in the face” causing the two to scuffle on the floor.

Sheriff Joyce says he’s reviewed video of the fight and has requested a criminal investigation by the Portland Police Department into the officer’s actions. An internal investigation will also take place to determine any policy violations that may have taken place.

Joyce says the inmate was arrested for drug trafficking.