Watch CBS News

4 Inmates Hurt In San Quentin Riot

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Officials say at least four San Quentin State Prison inmates were seriously injured during a riot on an exercise yard.

Prison spokesman Gabe Walters said between 150 and 200 prisoners were involved in the Thursday morning riot. Dozens were slashed and stabbed by fellow prisoners armed with homemade weapons.

Walters says San Quentin guards used chemicals such as pepper spray, projectiles and real bullets to restore order. None of them were injured.

The four most seriously injured inmates were taken to local hospitals. Walters says it's so far unknown if they were hurt by other inmates or by guards.

San Quentin is a maximum security prison that house's California's death row. The exercise yard where the disturbance broke out serves fairly recent arrivals whose security status still is under review.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.