JAMESTOWN, CA – On Thursday, August 17, approximately 350 inmates were involved in a riot on the Level II Facility B main exercise yard at Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) just after 9:50 a.m. Officers quickly quelled the riot by firing two mini 14 rounds as warning shots from an elevated post. Along with lethal rounds, staff utilized chemical agents and impact munitions to stop the rioting inmates. Currently, on-duty staff members are conducting restraint sweeps and medical evaluations of all involved inmates.
Seven inmates were transported to local hospitals to treat their injuries. Several inmates are being treated for minor injuries by on-duty medical staff. No staff were injured in the incident.
At this time, the cause of the riot is unknown, and the prison has been placed on a modified program pending further investigation into this matter. Facility B is expected to remain on modified program until the investigation is complete.
Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) opened in 1965 and houses 1,528 inmates. The primary mission of (SCC) is to provide housing, programs and services for minimum and medium custody inmates. SCC is one of only two prisons in the State responsible for the training and placement of male inmates in the Conservation Camp Program. SCC administers 20 male camps located from Central California to the Southern California Border.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2017
CONTACT: Lt. R. Kelsey, (209) 984-5291 ext. 5499
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