A Roanoke Rapids police officer was bitten and a Halifax County jailer assaulted early this morning, according to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

Captain Andy Jackson said police are not releasing the name of the officer, who picked up Lemuel Turnage around 3 this morning on a communicating threats warrant.

When Turnage was taken to the jail for booking and released from his handcuffs, he became violent and assaulted the officer and bit him twice on the arm. A jailer was also assaulted.

Lieutenant Bobby Martin of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said the matter was still under investigation and no further details were immediately available.

The Roanoke Rapids officer is being treated at Halifax Regional Medical Center.