The Associated Press
CHINO, Calif.- A racial clash between inmates at a California prison erupted into a three-hour riot involving 200 inmates, critically injuring two, an official said Friday.
Black, white and Hispanic inmates squared off Thursday night in a reception center for prisoners who recently transferred to the California Institution for Men, said state Department of Corrections spokesman Todd Slosek.
“We believe preliminarily that the altercation stems over a dispute over respect,” said Slosek, adding the cause remained under investigation.
Guards used foam bullets, pepper spray and tear gas to quell the disturbance that spilled into the housing units.
Eight prisoners were taken to a hospital for treatment and two were in critical condition, Slosek said. He did not have details on their injuries. One guard suffered a minor injury _ a strained back.
The medium security prison houses about 6,500 inmates.