Folsom Prison riot ‘just seemed to explode’

Published: Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 – 1:22 pm

A riot Friday that sent seven Folsom State Prison inmates to the hospital “just seemed to explode,” Department of Corrections Lt. Anthony Gentile said today.

The melee involving prisoners began in the main exercise yard at 7 p.m. and lasted about 30 minutes.

Corrections officers began to counter with gas “chemical agents,” Gentile said. “The desired result wasn’t achieved.”

Attempts by more than 45 staff to quell the fighting among about 200 inmates escalated to rubber rounds and then rifle fire, he said.

Prison Movement