One inmate suffered gunshot wound, seven others stabbed in riot.
By The Canadian Press
The Edmunton Sun
8 inmates stabbed, 1 shot during Canadian prison riot
EDMUNTON, Canada — The Edmonton Institution remained in lockdown today as police detectives and prison officials sorted through the ashes and aftermath of a violent brawl that ended with eight people going to hospital.
About 40 inmates took control of an area of the exercise yard about 3 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Edmonton Police Service.
A man with former gang ties, who asked not to be identified, said the violence was between two gangs — Redd Alert and another called Fresh Off the Boat.
“They just don’t like each other,” he said, blaming the “politics of the street” for the fight.
Internet sites describe the Fresh Off the Boat gang as Asian, but he said they come from a variety of ethnic groups. FOB, as they’re known, are affiliated with the Crazy Dragons, one of the most prominent gangs on Edmonton’s streets, the source said.
Redd Alert and the Crazy Dragons have been battling on the streets, and Tuesday’s melee in the Max is an extension of those hostilities, he explained.
Prison officials are investigating, but have not determined there was any gang element involved, said Edmonton Institution spokesman Daren Frick.
Earlier a union spokesman said the fight broke out between two rival gangs in the recreation yard. Several shanks — makeshift knives — were discovered after the fight.
While prison officials haven’t determined the extent of gang involvement, Frick said as a general practice gang activity is monitored in the prison and they attempt to control the contact between rival members.
During the riot at the prison a sweat lodge and maintenance shed were set on fire.
That was extinguished about 2 a.m. today and the inmates were returned to their cells. It will continue to take new prisoners, Frick said.
The inmates will be confined to their cells during the lockdown. No educational or rehabilitation programs will be offered until it is lifted, Frick said.
One inmate suffered a gunshot wound and seven others were stabbed.
The circumstances around the shooting will be investigated by Corrections Canada, as part of an overall review of the brawl, Frick said.
The shot was fired by a Corrections officer, he said, but added it isn’t clear if it intended as a warning shot or aimed at the prisoner.
All injured prisoners were listed in stable condition today, said police spokesman Jeff Wuite.
Three of the prisoners have returned to the Edmonton Institution, the other five remain in hospital, Frick said.
He said charges will likely be forthcoming, but it could take some time given the number of people involved in the fight.
Copyright 2008 Edmunton Sun