VACAVILLE, Aug. 1 — A prison guard has accused convicted mass killer Charles Manson of punching him in the face during a routine inspection of cells at the California Medical Facility here, it was disclosed today.

Prison information officer Bill Heise said correctional officer C. W. Moore reported on Monday that he had been assaulted by Manson, serving a life sentence for a mass murder that included the fatal knifing of actress Sharon Tate.

“Charlie just gets upset and lashes out,” Heise said.

He said the case will be sent to the Solano County district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to file a formal assault charge against Manson.