A man was arrested after he allegedly attacked a Morgantown Police Officer early Sunday morning.

According to a press release from the Morgantown Police Department, officers were taking a prisoner to the Monongalia County Sheriff's office for transfer to the North Central Regional Jail around 1:30 a.m.

An officer entered the sally port at the Sheriff's office and saw a person trying to sneak into the sally port, according to the press release. The officer radioed for another unit to come to the area.

"While he was entering the sally port, he observed an individual attempting to gain entry to the sally port area where prisoners are transferred," said Chief of police Ed Preston.

A second officer entered the sally port to confront the intruder and was attacked by the suspect, according to police. The suspect and officer were engaged in a fight. The suspect began choking and strangling the officer.

"The suspect attempted to strangle the officer.. following the struggle, the suspect was taken into custody," Preston said.

Officers came to assist and restrained the suspect. The suspect was identified as Chad LeClair of Fredrick, Maryland.

The officer attacked had cuts, scrapes and contusions as a result of the attack, according to the press release. The officer was treated and released by medical authorities.

"He's bruised up and sore but he was returned to duty," Preston said.

LeClair has been charged with malicious assault and strangulation and is currently being held at North Central Regional Jail.