Riot at Chino State Prison
Posted By Budris & Barrios on Aug 10, 2009 11:10am PDT
According to officials, fighting broke out at 9:15 a.m. at the West Facility Institute For Men on Central Avenue in Chino. Numerous inmates began fighting in the Laguna Hall dormitory until prison guards took control of the situation. Prison officials say 198 men are housed in that facility.
Officials were unclear whether the incidents were racially based, but both Hispanic and white inmates were involved in the fights. According to prison officials, 55 inmates of the more than 200 injured were taken to hospitals. Five inmates were transported to outside hospitals and one had sustained a puncture to the abdomen, according to reports. Another inmates also suffered stabbing injuries. Seven inmates sustained minor injuries. None of the injuries are reportedly life-threatening. According to officials, no prison staff were injured during the riot and there are no reports of property damage.
In addition to prison personnel and fire crews, police officers from Chino and Ontario, as well as deputies from the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department, were called to the scene. The situation was brought under control by Sunday morning. They also reported that the guards took control using pepper spray and that no lethal force was used. Officers have full control of the prison, which has since been put on lockdown. A cause for the fighting is under investigation. See live coverage at
Created by: Lisa M. Budris, Esq.