6 More Inmates Hurt in Racial Violence at County Jail in Castaic

Skirmishes between black and Latino inmates broke out again Friday night at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, authorities said Saturday.

Six inmates were slightly injured, including four who were taken to a hospital, after more than three dozen prisoners scuffled in Dormitory 622, authorities said.

The disturbance began about 9:30 p.m. in the North County Correctional Facility, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Colin Matsumoto

Deputies quickly took control by firing sting-ball grenades and “clear-out gas” into the crowd, he said.

The injured inmates were treated at County-USC Medical Center.

Two inmates have been killed and more than 100 injured since fights between black and Latino inmates first broke out Feb. 4.

The Times reported Saturday that more than 100 prisoners at one jail were ordered to strip naked Feb. 9, had their mattresses taken away and were left with only blankets to cover themselves for a day as deputies tried to stop racial violence among inmates.

The tactics have drawn criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union and other human rights activists, but jail officials said they were necessary to stop the violence.

An independent watchdog agency also is reviewing why many bunk beds in the dorms at Pitchess Detention Center were not permanently fastened to a floor or wall, as required by state guidelines in effect since 1986.