Ray Rice -- Indicted for Assaulting Fiancée in Elevator

Ray Rice was indicted today for striking his fiancée in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino -- the alleged crime was caught on surveillance video first published by TMZ Sports.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced the Baltimore Ravens star will face one count of third degree aggravated assault for the February 15 incident involving Janay Palmer.

That's a felony that could land Rice in prison for 3 to 5 years.

In the video ... Rice is seen dragging Palmer's limp body out of the elevator -- and it's unclear exactly what happened inside. Obviously, prosecutors felt their investigation gave them enough evidence to charge Rice.

At the time of the incident ... cops charged both Rice and Palmer with simple assault -- but prosecutors have now dismissed the charge against her.