| Yard Altercations Necessitate Lockdown at Pendleton Prison |
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For Immediate Release: June 11, 2006
Contact: Perrin Damon, 503-945-0925
Doug Harder, 541-278-3615
Yard Altercations Necessitate Lockdown at Pendleton Prison
At approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2006, a fight broke out among several inmates in the East Recreation Yard at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) in Pendleton. It quickly escalated to include approximately 60 inmates. Staff estimate that 350 inmates were on the yard at the time.
One warning shot from the security observation tower was fired in order to signal the inmates to lie on the ground. As staff responded, they were able to intervene to break up fights and take control of the remaining combatants. One inmate attempted to avoid being restrained, so a staff member placed him on the ground.
Two inmates were immediately transported from the prison for emergency medical treatment. They were treated and released from St. Anthony’s Hospital and are receiving follow-up care in the prison infirmary. No staff injuries were reported.
A total of 57 inmates were handcuffed and taken to the Disciplinary Segregation Unit. Individual hearings will take place over the next few days to hold inmates accountable for their involvement in the incident.
EOCI was placed on lockdown status, necessitating the interruption of visiting, religious services and other programs. The facility remains in lockdown and inmate movement is limited. On Sunday, inmates were allowed to go to supper in the dining halls at a slower pace than normal. Restricted movement will be limited to essential institution functions until such time as it is determined that it is appropriate to return to normal operations.
An investigation into the cause of the fight was initiated. The Oregon State Police were immediately notified as the result of the firearm discharge.
EOCI Superintendent Sharon Blacketter commended the prison’s staff for their professional response. "Due to the quick and appropriate actions of staff, this volatile incident was quickly contained," Blacketter explained. "The safety of the public, staff and inmates is our primary concern, and we will be taking the next few days to evaluate and investigate."
Under standard operating procedures, return to normal operations following an emergency lockdown is gradual over a period of days. The major impact on the public may be visiting, which is closed every Monday and Tuesday. No decision has yet been made regarding Wednesday’s scheduled visiting.
EOCI is a medium-security men’s prison. On Sunday, it housed 1,625 inmates.
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