High Desert State Prison officials have announced an ongoing investigation into the riot that erupted on D Yard early Monday morning.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 10 a.m. when approximately 50 inmates engaged in a violent altercation within the recreational yard. Despite orders to cease the fighting from correctional officers, the rioters did not comply. As a result, non-lethal blast grenades, impact rounds, and stinger rounds were employed to quell the disturbance.
Multiple inmates sustained injuries in the incident. Thirteen of them suffered minor injuries, while four were injured severely enough to necessitate transport by helicopter to external medical facilities for treatment. Three of them have since returned to the prison, while the fourth remains hospitalized.
Fortunately, no staff members were injured during the riot.
During the investigation, the prison’s Investigative Services unit discovered four inmate-manufactured weapons.
In response to the incident, those individuals directly involved have been relocated to restricted housing as investigations continue.
