5 Inmates Hurt in Branch Jail Scuffle

A group of inmates entering a mess hall for dinner Thursday at Theo Lacy Branch Jail were attacked by other inmates, who threw trays and food, authorities said.

Five of the attacked inmates, who were escorted from the mess hall by marshals for their protection, were treated for minor cuts following the incident, which lasted about five minutes, Sheriff’s Lt. Jay Mendes said.

Authorities said the incident was race-related. None of the facility’s staff was injured.