Watch CBS News

78 Inmates Involved In Jail Riot At Twin Towers

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Four inmates involved in a fight at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles evolved into a jail riot Wednesday at about 3:30 p.m., according to Capt. Mike Parker of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"Other inmates then became involved and the 78 inmates in the housing pod divided along racial lines," said Parker.

Law enforcement officers used pepperspray and sting balls to stop the melee, according to Parker. The fighting lasted for about 15 minutes and no deputies were injured during the incident.

As a precaution, jail medical staff treated all 78 inmates for exposure to pepper spray.

By 7:30 p.m., seven inmates had been transported to a local hospital for minor to moderate injuries.

There were no serious injuries, according to Parker.

Initial reports by the Los Angeles Fire Department estimated about a dozen inmates had been injured as a result of the riot.

The county jail complex is located at 450 E. Bauchet St. and the cause of the fight is under investigation.

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.