Argument over television sparks fight that injures 6 inmates, 2 guards



PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A brawl at the Allegheny County jail sparked by an argument over a television sent six guards and two inmates to the hospital with minor injuries, the warden said.
Investigators were still working out details of Saturday's melee, but warden Ramon Rustin said the trouble began when guards ordered inmates in the maximum-security pod into their cells after some inmates began arguing when a guard either turned off the TV or changed the channel.
Some inmates refused to return to their cells, he said.
"Then the officers tried to escort them to their cells," Rustin said. "That's when they turned on the officers."
Investigators haven't determined how many inmates were involved, but Rustin said it wasn't the entire pod, which houses about 56 inmates. At least three inmates will be charged, he said, and others could be charged when jail internal affairs officers complete an investigation.
Rustin did not identify the guards or inmates involved.
"All of our officers and supervisors did an excellent job of containing the situation and making sure it didn't escalate," he said.
One guard was treated for torn ligaments in his leg and five others were treated for bruises, Rustin said. Two inmates also were treated for similar injuries.
The pod will remain locked down during the investigation, Rustin said.

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