Five Prisoners Hurt in Fight at Castaic Facility

Five inmates were injured in a fight between black and Latino inmates at Peter J. Pitchess Sheriff’s Honor Rancho in Castaic on Wednesday before specially trained deputies broke it up. Sheriff’s Sgt. Irene McReynolds said about 30 of the 115 prisoners used fists, broomsticks and prison-made knives in the melee, which began at 3:55 p.m. and lasted for nearly 10 minutes before the anti-riot quad arrived.

Cause of the outburst is under investigation, she said.

When it was over, 110 prisoners, all of whom are under sentence for such violent crimes as assault and armed robbery--were transferred by bus to the Central Jail. Two others were taken to the central infirmary, where they were treated for minor cuts and bruises.

Three prisoners were taken under guard to the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, where they were reported in good condition after being admitted for treatment of knife wounds and bruises.