Inmate Riot at Wasco State Prison leaves one dead

One inmate dies, two others seriously injured

Monday, June 3, 2013

WASCO— On Monday, June 3, at 9:20 a.m., a riot involving approximately 40 inmates occurred inside the Facility “A” Exercise Yard at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC). Correctional officers fired one round from the Mini-14 Rifle to quell the disturbance.

Three inmates suffered serious injuries requiring them to be transported to an outside hospital for treatment. One of the injured inmates was pronounced deceased at approximately 10 a.m. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The prison has not released the cause of death, whether it was from the fired shot by the Correctional Officer or by the hands of another inmate.

There were no staff injuries as a result of the incident.

The WSP-RC Investigative Services Unit will investigate the cause of the riot. The Office of the Inspector General Bureau of Independent Review and the Office of Internal Affairs have been notified.

Facility “A” was placed on lockdown pending further investigation.

WSP-RC’s is a temporary housing location for new incoming inmates where they process, classify, and evaluate new inmates physically and mentally, and determine their security level, program requirements and appropriate institutional placement. WSP-RC was opened in February 1991, houses approximately 5,000 inmates, and employs approximately 1,700 people.