At Least 10 Inmates Injured In Fight At Men's Central Jail, No Deputies Hurt

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A fight broke out involving about 120 inmates at the Men's Central Jail on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles on Friday, the Sheriff's Department said today, but no deputies were injured.

Ten inmates were treated by facility medical personnel for minor injuries. One inmate was rushed to an area hospital after he reported having difficulty breathing. His injuries were considered life-threatening, according to the Sheriff's Information Bureau.

The fight broke out at approximately 2 p.m. Friday at the jail.

When inmates involved in the fight refused orders, lockdown procedures were immediately used and within minutes deputies from the sheriff's Men Central Jail Emergency Response Team responded to assist in the prevention of the escalation of fighting.

"When they (deputies) were ignored and ineffective, liquid Oleoresin Capsicum, and eventually pepper-spray balls were used to quell disturbance and restore relative order within 10 minutes," according to the news statement.

No weapons were seen, or were believed to have been used by inmates during the fight, authorities said. A search also turned up no weapons.

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