SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- An inmate at the state prison in Sioux Falls is accused of attacking a woman teacher after a class inside the prison.
State Corrections Secretary Denny Kaemingk describes what happened when Kevin Tripp moved to the front of the room.
"Grabbed her by the arm, and then by the neck and pulled her to the floor. She was able to break free....and pulled her pepper spray out and sprayed inmate Tripp."
Kaemingk says the woman is doing fine now and displayed great "resilience" and "determination" to protect herself, until others arrived. Kaemingk says that - at this point - authorities have no idea what motivated Tripp to attack her.
Tripp, a convicted sex criminal serving time since 2012, now faces attempted murder and other charges.