Weapons seized, California prison in 'total lockdown' after riot

February 25, 2000
Web posted at: 1:59 a.m. EST (0659 GMT)

CRESCENT CITY, California (CNN) -- Authorities said a maximum security California prison remained in a lockdown Thursday, a day after a racially charged riot left nearly 50 inmates injured. One inmate was killed after he was gunned down by a guard.

The Wednesday morning riot at Pelican Bay State Prison involved some 200 black and Hispanic inmates in a 30-minute melee that was quelled by guards who used tear gas and pepper spray, and opened fire using military assault weapons.

Authorities said 32 inmates were stabbed or slashed by other inmates in the rioting. Fifteen others were wounded by prison guards during the disorder.

"CN Gas, pepper spray and mini-14 guns were used by guards in breaking up the riot," said Lt. Ben Gundy of the Pelican Bay State Prison. "Eighty-nine weapons were seized by prison personnel and the prison continues to be in total lockdown."

One inmate remains in critical condition at a local hospital. The riot started in an exercise yard at the prison in remote Northern California. No prison staff members were seriously injured in the uprising.

The disturbance happened the same day two former correctional officers at Pelican Bay were indicted on federal civil rights charges for allegedly allowing attacks by inmates or guards against prisoners serving time for sex offenses or otherwise disliked. The victims were beaten and stabbed; one died.

Last week another former Pelican Bay correctional officer was convicted of civil rights violations for shooting and wounding an inmate following such an attack.

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