A partial lockdown has been instituted at Pelican Bay State Prison after a fight broke out involving up to 75 inmates. The fight yesterday afternoon was the largest at the remote prison near the Oregon border since a riot in February 2000.
Public information officer Rawland Swift did not know what caused the fight. He says guards used pepper spray and tear gas to control the inmates. Four inmates had minor injuries. Pelican Bay is home to the state´s most hardened criminals, most of whom are serving lengthy terms for violent crimes. The riot in 2000, involving 200 inmates, was the largest in prison history. One inmate was shot to death and dozens were seriously injured.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 4:48 pm