11 Hurt as 100 Pitchess Inmates Brawl

CASTAIC — Eleven inmates were injured in a brawl between Latino and African American inmates at the Pitchess Detention Center, authorities said Saturday.

Nearly 100 inmates took part in the fight, which erupted about 8 p.m. Friday, officers said. Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the department’s emergency response team quelled the eight- to 10-minute brawl by using verbal commands.

Five inmates suffered stab wounds and were taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center for treatment. Another six inmates suffered minor injuries and were treated at the jail’s medical clinic.

The fight appeared to be the result of a power struggle among inmate workers, 17 of whom have been identified as suspects in provoking the fight, officers said. Deputies recovered four shanks--crude knives made by inmates--and a telephone receiver, items that had been used as weapons.