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Posted: January 20th, 2007 9:48 PM
For Immediate Release: January 20, 2007
Inmate fight disrupts prison operations
During the evening meal Saturday at Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem, approximately 30 inmates began fighting with one another in the prison dining room. More than 240 inmates were present.
Staff immediately took steps to quell the disturbance, resulting in minor injuries to three correctional officers. The staff members were treated and released from a local hospital.
Many inmates received cuts and bruises as a result of the fighting. One was sent to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The motive for the fight is under investigation, but the involved inmates are believed to represent two rival Hispanic gangs. No specific weapons were discovered.
So far, 27 inmates have been identified and restrained. Those involved will be held accountable through the prison disciplinary system; the Oregon State Police are investigating to determine if criminal activity occurred.
According to the prison's superintendent, Nancy Howton, "the quick thinking of staff kept injuries and property damage to a minimum."
The prison is on lockdown, and staff were recalled to enhance security and prepare sack dinners and deliver them to inmates in their cells. Visiting for Sunday is cancelled. The lockdown will be reevaluated as the weekend progresses.
Oregon State Correctional Institution is a men's medium-security facility with 885 inmates.
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