Riot Erupts at Donovan Prison, Six Injured, Two Seriously

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Six prisoners were hospitalized this morning, two seriously, with injuries they sustained in a riot at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in an unincorporated area near Otay Mesa.

“The incident began when several inmates began fighting on the (Facility A recreation) yard,” the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement. “Responding staff immediately gave participants of the riot multiple orders to stop fighting. Officers used several rounds of less than lethal use of force methods to quell the disturbance.”

Nearly 100 inmates were involved in the fight that began about 9 p.m. Friday at the prison, located at 480 Alta Road, according to Cal Fire San Diego, which added that six patients were taken to hospitals.

The injuries included puncture wounds, cuts and bruises to head, neck and upper body areas. No staff members were injured, the CDCR said. The conditions of the injured prisoners were unknown.

Friday's incident marked the third riot at the facility since late last year.

In February, 10 inmates were injured, one seriously, in a riot involving 50 prisoners and in December 2018, two inmates were stabbed in a riot that was broken up by prison guards using pepper spray.

Photo: Getty Images


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