By STUART TOMLINSON and ASHBEL S. GREEN
The Oregonian
ONTARIO, Ore. — A prison guard shot and injured an inmate during a fight Sunday morning that involved
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120 prisoners at Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario.
Three other prisoners suffered injuries in the brawl, which erupted at 9:40 a.m. All were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Officials locked down the prison, confining inmates to their cells and canceling visiting hours Sunday.
It was the first time a guard has shot an inmate at Snake River, which opened in 2001, said Amber Campbell, a prison spokeswoman. Guards have fired in the past. Some were warning shots, she said.
The guard was in an observation tower above the prison’s Complex 2 recreation yard, Campbell said. Staff members have the authority to shoot to stop violence, she said.
Investigators have not determined what caused the fight, she said.
Campbell declined to release the names of the injured inmates Sunday.
From 200 to 400 inmates are typically in a prison yard during a recreation period. Campbell said she didn’t know how long the fight lasted or whether any of the inmates had weapons.
With about 3,000 inmates, Snake River Correctional Institution is Oregon’s largest prison.
The medium-security institution houses inmates who have committed all manner of felonies, from burglary and robbery to rape and murder. Most live in the general population.
Inmates who break rules such as those prohibiting possession of contraband can be put in disciplinary segregation.
Inmates who assault guards or other prisoners can go to the intensive-management unit, where they can receive treatment for anger control and other problems, Campbell said.
The Oregon State Police is investigating the prison shooting. The Malheur County district attorney’s office, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and the Ontario Police Department also are involved.
Copyright 2008 The Oregonian