Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic (Los Angeles Times) |
CASTAIC -- Authorities are trying to determine what sparked a fight involving 200 inmates and 2 deputies at the L.A. County jail in Castaic over the weekend.
The brawl lasted for about an hour on Sunday afternoon at Pitchess Detention Center, about 50 miles north of Downtown L.A.
An L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman says it all started when a deputy tried to stop two inmates walking from their dorm to a restricted area.
That's when about 100 inmates exited their dorms and started throwing rocks and debris at authorities.
The two deputies retreated to a safe area but then dozens of other inmates came out of their dorms and started throwing rocks.
Deputies called for backup while inmates started vandalizing their barracks and guard station and started smashing windows.
The uprising stopped after deputies shot tear gas and non-lethal stinger rounds into the crowd.
Two deputies and 20 inmates were treated for minor injuries.
The cause of the fight is under investigation. The inmates involved are expected to face criminal charges.
The brawl lasted for about an hour on Sunday afternoon at Pitchess Detention Center, about 50 miles north of Downtown L.A.
An L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman says it all started when a deputy tried to stop two inmates walking from their dorm to a restricted area.
That's when about 100 inmates exited their dorms and started throwing rocks and debris at authorities.
The two deputies retreated to a safe area but then dozens of other inmates came out of their dorms and started throwing rocks.
Deputies called for backup while inmates started vandalizing their barracks and guard station and started smashing windows.
The uprising stopped after deputies shot tear gas and non-lethal stinger rounds into the crowd.
Two deputies and 20 inmates were treated for minor injuries.
The cause of the fight is under investigation. The inmates involved are expected to face criminal charges.
