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| Bayside melee under scrutiny |
| By Cherry Hill Courier Post |
| Published: 01/03/2005 |
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A lockdown at Bayside State Prison in N.J. ended Sunday morning, a day after a brawl involving dozens of inmates and corrections officers. No serious injuries occurred, although some officers suffered cuts, bruises and even a broken hand, said Deirdre Fedkenheuer, spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections. An investigation was under way to determine why the melee erupted, she said. It broke out around 5:15 p.m. Saturday in a medium-security section of the prison, which is in the Leesburg section of the township. "It does not appear to have been anything that was planned," said Fedkenheuer, who was unsure whether the fight began among inmates or between prisoners and corrections officers. Authorities confined the violence to the dormitory-style area where it began. No inmates had weapons, Fedkenheuer said. About 25 prisoners and 15 to 18 officers were involved in the altercation, Fedkenheuer said. The inmates were transferred to other prisons, and the officers were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Most of the corrections officers returned to work later that evening and none was hospitalized overnight, she said. Authorities locked down the 2,150-inmate facility shortly after the brawl began, meaning prisoners had to stay in their living areas and some privileges were suspended. Prison officials ended the lockdown Sunday, allowing families to attend visiting hours, she said. The Department of Corrections Special Investigation Division has begun an inquiry into the incident. It will send its findings to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office to determine if criminal charges should be filed. |
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