CALIPATRIA - Two inmates suffered gunshot wounds today during a massive riot at Calipatria State Prison where 150 inmates scuffled, prompting a lockdown throughout the day, an official said.
Four rounds were fired by a .223-caliber mini 14 rifle, but only the two inmates were struck during the 10:45 a.m. melee. Four other inmates are being taken to area hospitals with serious and life-threatening injuries resulting from the riot, said Administrative Lieutenant Jorge Santana in a press release.
The riot broke out in the Facility A maximum security yard of the prison. Correctional officers and staff were not hurt but the rioting reportedly became so intense that shots were fired, Santana said. All other non-lethal options like the use of pepper spray and foam tipped rubber rounds had been "exhausted" in order to quell the violence, he said.
An investigation has been launched in order to determine what caused the inmates to start rioting, Santana said.
