MUNCIE, Ind. — A former correctional officer at the Delaware County jail now faces criminal charges over allegations he fired a PepperBall launcher into cellblocks.

In recent days, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman's office filed two misdemeanor charges — battery resulting in bodily injury and criminal recklessness — against Matthew J. Lloyd, 21, of Muncie.

Sheriff Tony Skinner last month fired Lloyd over allegations the correctional officer fired the PepperBall launcher — described as similar to a paintball gun — on the late night of March 31.

According to a release from Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley — and an affidavit later filed with the criminal case — the device "with inert powder" was fired from the jall's control room" into the cellblocks."

An inmate was struck in the back with one of the projectiles resulting in "minor bruising," according to Stanley's account.

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Indiana State Police investigated the incident,

According to an ISP report:

The battery charge against Lloyd is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a maximum one-year jail term. The criminal recklessness count is a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to 180 days in jail.

An initial hearing is set for June 29 in Muncie City Court.

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Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.