Inmate Struck by Bullet Fragment(mini 14)

Centinela prison inmate struck in face by bullet fragment, official says
SEELEY --- A 40-year-old Centinela State Prison inmate is in stable condition today after being struck near his left eye by a bullet fragment of a mini .14-caliber round fired by a Correctional Officer, a spokesman said.

The Officer fired three rounds from the observation tower at Facility C as warning shots, said Administrative Lt. Richard Dubbe, to quell a fight between three inmates on the yard. The injured inmate, who is from an unspecified Los Angeles County city and was not involved in the scuffle, was taken by ambulance to a San Diego area hospital.

A second inmate, who suffered puncture wounds from the fight, was taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries and was expected to return to the prison, Dubbe said. An investigation into what lead to the fight is under way, Dubbe said.

By SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer