FARGO — A Moorhead police officer pleaded not guilty on a charge of allegedly assaulting a woman that was handcuffed.

Matthew Lambert entered the plea on a Class C felony charge of aggravated assault on Thursday, Nov. 29, in Cass County District Court.

In September, Lambert brought an arrested woman, Jennifer Joan Thomas, 47, to the Sanford Medical Center to be medically checked out, according to court documents.

Lambert said Thomas spit in his face when tried to get her to sit down on her hospital bed, court records show.

He also said as he tackled Thomas onto the hospital bed, she appeared to strike her face on part of the bed, court records show.

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An investigation later determined Lambert struck Thomas in the face with his elbow, fracturing a nasal bone and bruising her right eye, court documents stated.

Thomas was earlier arrested for reportedly pulling out a gun and making suicidal remarks at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Moorhead.

On Nov. 9, Thomas was found to be incompetent to assist in her own defense on felony charges of fourth-degree assault against a police officer and threats of violence.

Although it is temporarily suspended, the case against Thomas remains pending in Clay County District Court.