One dead, 30 injured in Texas prison disturbance

A prison disturbance broke out at the Smith Unit in Lamesa in West Texas

April 26, 2000
Web posted at: 4:31 a.m. EDT (0831 GMT)

LAMESA, Texas (CNN) -- At least one prisoner was killed and 30 inmates were injured in a prison disturbance at the Preston E. Smith Unit in Lamesa, Texas, authorities said early Wednesday.

The disturbance erupted about 6:30 p.m., and was under control early Wednesday, according to a representative at the Lamesa Police Department.

Several inmates were taken to the University Medical Center in Lubbock where they were treated for minor to serious injuries, said Terry Martin, the house supervisor. At least one inmate was released from the hospital after treatment.

A representative at Brownsfield Regional Medical Center said some injured inmates were brought to that facility, too, but officials would not release any information on how many were brought in, or their condition.

That hospital, about 60 miles north of Lamesa, started to receive calls late Tuesday to see if it could accommodate the injured.

Martin said about 10 extra staff members were called in to help with treatment. It was unclear whether more staff members were later called.

Texas prisoner surrenders after taking guard hostage
April 15, 2000
California prison guards investigated for opening fire during riot
February 25, 2000
Inmates evacuated from jail where hostage standoff continues
December 18, 1999
White flag and SWAT officers seen at Louisiana jail standoff
December 14, 1999

State of Texas Web Site
  • City of Lubbock Virtual City Government
  • Texas Department of Criminal Justice
  • Preston E. Smith Unit
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.