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| Seven injured in jail fight |
| By The Daily News |
| Published: 04/25/2005 |
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An incident at the Washington Parish, La., jail April 15 sent seven prisoners to the hospital, one of them to the intensive care unit. At approximately 2:30 p.m., a group of prisoners reportedly rushed and attacked other inmates in their cellblock. When officers arrived, they "backed off," but several men had been hurt, according to a sheriff's office spokesman. "What kicked it off is still under investigation," said Chief Criminal Deputy Dan Foil. "I believe the regular tensions of jail boiled over. Several inmates jumped another inmate and it escalated." Seven men were sent to LSU Bogalusa Medical Center. Five were treated and released, said Foil. One was transported to Charity Hospital in New Orleans with a fractured jaw. And the most seriously injured was sent to St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington where he underwent surgery to have his spleen removed, he said. Injuries reportedly included broken bones and severe bruising, including some in the shape of footprints. Foil said that the cellblocks are made up of individual rooms set off of a common area and that there are 24 inmates per cellblock. Reports that the fight might have originated after an infusion of new state prisoners were unfounded because there were no new prisoners involved, according to Foil. But the word on the street that the incident might have been race related could not be ruled out because "it does appear to be black on white," he said. "It's still under investigation," said Foil. "But I think it had more to do with a simmering dispute over privileges." He said fights at the jail are not uncommon, but that the large number of people involved in this incident is rare. More than 12 inmates were reportedly involved. Foil said that charges, including second-degree battery, would be filed. Additionally, there will be administrative penalties, such as lock-downs and loss of privileges, he said. |
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