SAN DIEGO – Officials are investigating a brief riot that broke out Friday, Aug. 23 on the Facility A recreation yard at Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) in San Diego.
The incident began at 8:30 p.m. when approximately 80 inmates began fighting on the yard. Correctional officers immediately responded and gave multiple orders to stop fighting. Officers used several rounds of less-than-lethal force to quell the incident. Four inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered at the scene.
Five inmates sustained injuries that required transportation to outside hospitals for treatment. Those injuries included puncture wounds, cuts and bruises to head, neck, and torso areas.
One inmate suffering from puncture wounds is in critical condition and three other inmates are in fair condition. A fifth inmate was treated and returned to the prison.
No staff members were injured in the riot.
The incident is being investigated by the Investigative Services Unit at the prison. The Office of the Inspector General was notified.
Inmate movement on Facility A has been limited to facilitate the investigation into the cause of the riot. Visiting was canceled for Facility A today and Sunday.
RJD opened in 1987 and houses approximately 3,800 minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security inmates. RJD’s primary mission is to provide long-term housing and professional rehabilitative services for inmates of all custody levels.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terri Hardy (916) 307-0180