News Releases

California Men’s Colony Investigating Riot

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Today at 1:06 pm., approximately 50 inmates were involved in a riot at California Men’s Colony (CMC) on the Facility A yard, a medium-custody yard.

The riot occurred when a group of approximately 35 inmates rushed a group of approximately 15 inmates on the recreation yard. Correctional officers immediately responded to the area where the fights were occurring and gave multiple orders to stop fighting. When inmates did not comply, observation tower officers fired two warning shots from their state-issued rifles. Other emergency responders used two light/sound diversionary devices and non-lethal projectiles to quell the violence.

No staff were injured.

Two inmates were transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries as a result of their participation in the riot.One inmate was struck in the head and lost consciousness. The injuries to the second inmate were not confirmed.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, a riot broke out on the same yard and investigators believe the two incidents are related. Both are under investigation by the Investigative Services Unit at the prison and CDCR’s Deadly Force Investigations Team was notified. The Office of the Inspector General was notified as well.

Inmate movement on Facility A has been limited to facilitate the investigations.

The primary mission of CMC is to provide housing, programs and services for approximately 4,000 minimum- and medium-custody inmates. It employs approximately 1,800 people. The facility also provides a Mental Health Delivery System in the form of an Enhanced Outpatient Program and Outpatient treatment for inmates assigned at the Correctional Clinical Case Management System, as well as a new fully licensed 50-bed Mental Health Crisis Unit.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Terri Hardy (916) 324-4586