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California Pens

California Pens :: Salinas Valley State Prison

April 2012

 

April 15 – An inmate was verbally harassing and threatening an officer. During security rounds the inmate attempted to gass the officer with an unknown liquid. The liquid made contact with the officer’s leg.

March 2012

 

March 12 – An MTA was applying vital sign cuffs to an inmate patient and the inmate patient turned and kicked the MTA, striking the MTA in the leg and thigh. The inmate patient then ran inside the cell and the MTA immediately secured the door and activated their personal alarm. Responding staff arrived and assisted the MTA in removing the inmate patient’s handcuffs. The inmate yanked his hands back striking and smashing the MTA’s hand. The MTA sustained abrasions, bruising and swelling.
November 2011

 

November 3 – A riot broke out in a maximum security yard. Staff used pepper spray before using non-lethal and then lethal munitions to stop the fighting. Sixteen inmates were treated at the prison and three were treated at a local hospital for stab wounds and head injuries. Five inmate manufactured weapons were recovered.
September 2011

 

September 3- While an officer attempted to counsel an inmate for exiting the visiting room to the foyer, the inmate began striking the officer about the head and body. The officer pulled her MK9 O.C. Canister, at which point the inmate grabbed it and tried to wrench it from her grasp. During the struggle the officer was struck in the left eye by the canister. The officer continued to struggle with the inmate while the inmate’s visiting mother watched. The officer was struck numerous times and continued to fight the inmate. To prevent the inmate’s escape, another officer arrived on scene to help stop the inmate’s actions. The responding officer was struck several times in the face and upper body. The inmate was finally overcome from the affects of pepper spray and the physical force of the officers and was placed into restraints. The inmate was taken to the Facility A Medical Annex and placed into a holding cell, where he was given a medical examination. The inmate was then rehoused in Ad Seg. Staff sustained the following injuries as a direct result of the inmate’s attempt to escape and his assault upon her person: a concussion, a severely bruised and swollen eye, severely strained/sprained wrist/hand and numerous bruises to her face and upper torso.
 
September 2- An inmate, who was being held in the CTC area, grabbed an officer by her right wrist. Responding officers stopped the inmate’s actions. The officer was medically evaluated and treated for swelling and bruising to her wrist and forearm but chose to stay at her post.
April 2011

April 5 – An inmate was placed into restraints and removed from his cell for his morning yard when the inmate turned and spit in the face of one of the escorting officers. Staff used pepper spray to stop the inmate’s actions. The officer received basic first aid, declined further medical treatment and returned to work.

October 2010

October 11 – Staff found an inmate dead in his cell. Administrators are investigating the death as a homicide.

September 2010

September 29 – An inmate was walking to the dining hall when a sergeant attempted to counsel him.  During the counseling, the inmate became verbally abusive, turned away from the wall and struck a sergeant in the chest. Staff used physical force to bring the inmate to the ground. The inmate was placed into restraints and secured inside a temporary holding cell without further incident. The sergeant sustained abrasions, pain, and redness to both hands. The sergeant received first aid and reported back to work.

August 2010

August 28 – ISU staff observed an inmate take an unknown object from his female visitor and swallow it while in the visiting room. Staff approached both the inmate and visitor and escorted each out. The female visitor admitted that she brought in marijuana. The visitor also was discovered to have five more bindles. She then allowed staff to search her car and additional controlled substances were located in the purse of her car, belonging to a female visitor of another inmate. One visitor had approximately 6.44 grams of marijuana and the other visitor had approximately 18.68 grams of marijuana. Both visitors were booked into Monterey County Jail and Child Protective Services were called to take custody of a minor belonging to one of the visitors.

August 27 – An inmate covered his cell windows with feces and as staff were attempting to talk with him, the inmate started banging his head on the cell wall. Staff used pepper spray to stop the inmate from hurting himself and placed him in restraints. While escorting the inmate, he attempted to spit on the escorting staff and was forced to the ground. One officer sustained respiratory complications from the pepper spray; another officer injured his ankle. Both officers were transported to an outside hospital for medical attention.
 

July 2010

July 29 – An inmate used his shoulder to strike an officer. Staff used physical force to stop the inmate, who was then rehoused in Ad Seg.

June 2010

June 24 – Five Northern Hispanic inmates attacked two black inmates. Responding staff used pepper spray and the inmates stopped fighting. A second group of inmates, consisting of 10 -15 Northern Hispanic inmates, began fighting with three to five black inmates. A mop handle was used within this group of fighting inmates. Responding staff used pepper spray with positive results. Three inmates were transported to CTC for medical evaluation. A fourth inmate was found with injuries while performing unclothed body searches, and was sent to a local hospital for a possible broken hand.

May 2010

 

May 28 – Approximately 60 black inmates and Northern inmates were involved in a riot on C-1 Facility. Staff used nine pocket grenades, six pepper spray blasts, nine rounds of 40mm, one block round to stop the rioting. Six inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered from the area. 
 
May 16 – An inmate was being escorted to the treatment center by two officers. During the escort, the inmate became argumentative and kicked one of the officers in the leg. Both officers used physical force to stop the inmate’s assault and bring the inmate to a prone position. One of the officers used his radio to announce the Code. Due to their close proximity to the CTC, the officers assisted the inmate to his feet and continued the escort. 
 
May 15 – Staff observed two inmates engaged in a fight on the Facility A Yard. Both inmates were striking each other with fists to the face and torso. Staff ordered all inmates on the yard to assume a prone position. All inmates complied except the combatants. In order to stop the incident, staff used pepper spray and MEB to gain compliance. 
April 2010
April 6 – Facility B staff were monitoring yard activities when they observed two inmates assault another. A Code 1 response was initiated; inmates ignored staff orders to assume prone positions on the ground. Responding officers used pepper spray to stop the attack and gain compliance. One of the assailants was seen discarding a weapon that was later recovered and processed for evidence. The injured inmate was medically evaluated and treated at the facility for several puncture wounds. The three inmates were decontaminated and remanded to Ad Seg. 
 
April 5 – An officer was conducting a security check in Facility D Housing Unit when he observed an inmate sitting on and attempting to smother another inmate with a mattress. A Code 1 response was initiated and the officer ordered both inmates to submit to handcuffs. The attacking inmate complied with orders and was placed in handcuffs. The other inmate was unresponsive. Staff observed he sustained head injuries, a shoe string tied around his neck and his skin tone was bluish in color. Staff removed the shoe string, removed the victim from the cell and immediately initiated CPR until EMT arrived. CPR was performed for 40 minutes. The inmate was admitted to ICU for treatment and observation. The inmate had a pulse and blood pressure but remained on life support. 
February 2010

FEBRUARY 5 -- Staff on Facility A were monitoring yard activities when they observed an inmate with a laceration on the cheek and one on the neck. A Code 1 response was initiated and all inmates complied with orders to assume prone positions on the ground. Responding medical staff provided treatment to the inmate, who was ultimately transported to an outside hospital. Staff searched the yard and discovered one slashing-type weapon made from an altered razor blade.  A controlled yard recall and inmate search failed to identify a potential suspect. 

January 2010

January 29 – Staff on Facility A were monitoring yard activities when they observed four Hispanic inmates engaged in multiple fights with three black inmates. A Code 1 response was initiated and staff ordered the inmates to stop fighting; they refused. Responding staff used pepper spray and the MEB to gain compliance.

December 2009

December 30 – Two officers were removing handcuffs from an inmate when the inmate pulled away banging one of the officer’s hands against the top of the port opening. A Code 1 response was initiated and the two officers used physical force to regain control of the inmates’ arm. One of the officers sustained minor injuries to both hands. Both officers returned to their assigned duties.


December 30 – Staff on Facility A were conducting a security check when they observed an inmate repeatedly striking another inmate who was curled up in a fetal position on the floor. A Code 1 response was initiated and staff ordered the inmate to stop his actions without gaining compliance. Staff used pepper spray; with positive results. Both inmates were secured in restraints and removed from the cell. During interviews, staff learned that both inmates were highly intoxicated and the attacking inmate was attempting to sexually assault the other inmate. The assaulted inmate sustained a laceration over his eye and was subsequently transported by ambulance to an outside medically facility for treatment.  


December 12 – Staff were processing an inmate, when the inmate spit on an officer. A Code 1 Response was initiated and the inmate complied with orders to cease his actions. The officer was medically evaluated, noting no injuries and returned to assigned duties.
 

November 2009

November 25 - An officer was monitoring an inmate at an outside medical facility when the inmate stood up from the bed and attempted to punch the officer. The officer ordered the inmate to get back into bed; the inmate refused. The inmate then grabbed a plastic container with vomit in it and threw it at the officer. The vomit struck the officer on the arm and upper body. The officer used pepper spray to stop the inmate's assaultive behavior and gain compliance with orders.

November 24 - Facility A housing unit floor officers were monitoring dayroom activities when an inmate quickly approached a seated officer from the side. The officer observed the inmate approaching and was attempting to stand and turn to face the inmate when the inmate attempted to punch the officer in the head. The officer was able to partially block the punch and attempted to defend himself by punching the inmate once in the torso. The inmate then attempted to punch the officer in the head several more times. The officer grabbed the inmate around the body and physically forced him to the ground. A Code 1 response was initiated, and while on the ground the inmate continued to struggle with the officer as he attempted to secure the inmate in restraints. After observing the assault, a responding officer used his MEB. Despite the inmate's resistance, the officer was able to successfully secure the inmate in restraints. The inmate was medically evaluated. The officer sustained a hairline jaw fracture, redness and swelling to his face, a chipped tooth, and redness, abrasions and pain to both knees and one elbow. The officer was taken to an outside hospital for further evaluation and treatment. 

October 2009

October 29 - A correctional sergeant was attacked by an inmate. The sergeant received two lacerations to the face. The sergeant was taken to an outside hospital for treatment.

September 2009

September 5 - Following the morning meal, officers were attempting to pick up the trays from a jointly occupied cell. One of the inmate reached out of the food port and grabbed an officer's keys that were attached to his duty belt and pulled him toward the food port. Officers utilized pepper spray to get the inmate to let go to the belt and both inmates were ordered to submit to handcuffs. After several minutes, staff observed one of the inmates laying facedown on the upper bunk appearing to be unresponsive. Staff formed a cell extraction team and initiated an emergency cell extraction. During the cell extraction, two officers were injured and treated at an outside hospital. Both officers returned to work. 

August 2009

August 22 - In Facility D EOP Dining, an inmate stabbed an officer in the back of the head and neck area with an inmate-manufactured weapon. The officer was taken by ambulance to an outside hospital for medical attention. The officer has not returned to full duty.

August 2 - As an officer was opening the food port to allow an LVN to check on an inmate, the inmate attempted to stab the LVN. The officer utilized pepper spray to stop the inmate's actions. The inmate was then cuffed up and escorted out of the cell for decontamination. During the escort, the inmate became resistive and spit blood in the officer's face. Medical was provided to the officer for bodily fluid exposure.

April 2009

April 29 - During an escort, an inmate attempted to spit on an officer. Physical force was used to stop the threat. A spit mask was applied and the inmate was placed into a holding cell without further incident.

April 21 - An inmate was being escorted from Ad Seg to CTC when the inmate turned and spit on the face of the Sgt.. Physical force was used to gain compliance. While the inmate was down, he began kicking and attempting to spit on staff. Pepper spray was utilized to gain compliance. The Sgt. was taken to outside medical for exposure. One officer injured an ankle, another officer injured a wrist and a third officer pulled a muscle in the neck.

April 18 - An inmate set fire to blankets and sheets in his assigned cell. The inmate refused to submit to handcuffs, so an emergency cell extraction was initiated. Staff entered the cell with zero visibility and found the inmate unresponsive. The inmate then became resistive. Staff gained control over the inmate and removed him from the cell. One Lt., one Sgt. and nine officers were taken to an outside hospital by ambulance. One officer was life-flighted to the hospital for severe smoke inhalation.

April 15 - On Facility D ½ yard, an officer was removing an inmate from Ad Seg walk alone yard. Once the door was opened, the inmate turned and kicked the officer in the knee. The officer took several steps back and the inmate then charged the officer. The officer struck the inmate with an expandable baton while the inmate continued to charge the officer. Due to the forward motion, the inmate fell to the ground without further incident. The officer sustained an injury to the knee. The officer was treated and returned to work.

April 15 - In Facility C, an officer was escorting an inmate to medical when another inmate was returning from outside transport. The inmate attempted to attack the inmate that was being escorted. The officer was struck in the face. The officer was treated at the facility and returned to work.

April 13 - An officer was attempting to remove handcuffs from an Ad Seg inmate through the food/cuff port when the inmate grabbed the officer's arm. The officer was able to break free from the inmate's hold. Numerous orders were given to the inmate to stop his actions. Pepper spray was utilized to gain compliance. The officer sustained swelling and abrasions to the hands. The officer was treated at the facility and returned to work.

April 6 - An MTA was retrieving urine from an inmate in a DMH observation room. Once the port was opened the inmate threw the urine striking the MTA. The MTA was taken to medical for exposure.

April 4 - Officers were collecting food trays from the evening meal in Facility D when an inmate grabbed the officer's arm through the open food port. The officer was able to pull away from the inmate and gave verbal orders to the inmate to remove his hands from the port. Pepper spray was utilized to gain compliance. When the inmate was then brought out for decontamination, the inmate lunged towards one officer striking the officer in the shoulder area. The inmate then lunged towards another officer and head-butted the officer. Physical force was utilized to gain compliance. The officers sustained redness to the arm and abrasion/redness to the face. The officers were treated at the facility and returned to work.

April 1 - In Facility D, an officer was passing out lunches when a lunch was placed on the food port area. The inmate then suddenly struck the officers hands. The officer pulled out pepper spray and ordered the inmate to pull their arms back into the cell. The inmate then slapped the officers pepper spray container. The officer utilized the pepper spray to gain compliance. The officer was treated for abrasions to the hands and returned to work. 

March 2009

March 28 - In D-1 Rotunda, an inmate committed battery on a peace officer. Physical force was used to gain control of the inmate.

March 25 - In Receiving and Release, an inmate spit on an officer; the spittle landed on the back of the neck and sleeve of the officer. No force was used.

March 23 - In Facility D, an inmate grabbed an officer through the food port. The officer utilized pepper spray to stop the attack.

March 12 - An inmate at CTC clinic attempted to spit and kick at officers. Officers used physical force to stop the inmate's actions. The inmate was placed in restraints.

March 8 - An inmate was released from his cell and immediately attacked the floor officer. The inmate stabbed the officer in the head. Officers used physical force and pepper spray to subdue the attack. The officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The officer required staples to close the laceration.

March 4 - In Facility D, an inmate attempted to elbow an officer. The officer used physical force to subdue the inmate.

March 1 - In Facility A, an intoxicated inmate refused numerous orders from staff to return to his cell. The inmate was given orders to turn around and submit to handcuffs. The inmate refused to comply; officer used physical force to gain compliance.

March 1 - In Facility D, an inmate was recovering from a seizure when he began to swing violently at staff. Peppery spray was used to gain compliance.

February 2009

February 24 – An inmate committed an act of battery on a peace officer with an unknown liquid. Officers were picking up trays following cell feeding when they approached an inmate's cell. An officer opened the food port door to retrieve the inmates tray. The inmate handed the officer the tray with one hand and then used his other hand to throw an unknown liquid, contained in an empty milk carton, at the officer. The liquid struck the officer on the arm, shirt, neck and face. The officer stepped back and a Code 1 response was initiated. The inmate reached out and took control of the open food port preventing staff from securing the door. Staff ordered the inmate to relinquish control of the food port without gaining compliance. Staff used pepper spray to gain compliance. The inmate was secured in handcuffs, removed from the cell and subsequently placed in ASU. The officer was taken to medical and subsequently transported to an outside medical facility for precautionary exposure treatment.

February 18 – An alarm was sounded in Facility D where an in cell battery occurred on an inmate. The inmate was transported to CTC. The inmate was then transported to an outside medical facility for medical treatment due to injuries received during the assault. The inmate sustained a laceration to the eye, lip and a loss of four teeth. No staff were injured as a result of this incident.

December 2008

December 17 – Facility C staff were monitoring recreation activities when they observed two Southern Hispanic inmates stabbing another Southern Hispanic inmate. Staff ordered the inmates to stop their actions without gaining compliance. A Code 1 response was initiated and a control booth officer discharged one 40mm direct round to gain compliance with their orders.

June 2008

June 4 - Staff monitoring the morning yard release observed two Bulldog inmates and two Northern Hispanic inmates engaged in a riot. A Code I response was initiated and staff ordered the inmates to stop fighting. A third Northern Hispanic inmate attempted to participate in the riot but staff used physical force to stop him. Responding staff utilized 40mm rounds, CN gas and pepper spray to stop the riot and gain compliance. An inspection of the involved inmates revealed that one of the inmates sustained several superficial puncture wounds and a search of the area resulted in the discovery of one plastic stabbing type weapon. All five inmates were treated for minor injuries and placed into ASU.

June 3 - Staff monitoring the morning yard release observed one Southern Hispanic inmate and one Bulldog inmate fighting. A Code I response was initiated and staff ordered the inmates to stop fighting; to which the inmates did not comply. Responding staff utilized 40mm rounds, CN gas and pepper spray to gain compliance. Both inmates were treated for minor injuries and placed in ASU.

June 3 - Staff monitoring the afternoon yard release observed two Bulldog inmates assault one Northern Hispanic inmate. A Code I response was initiated and staff ordered the inmates to stop fighting; to which the inmates did not comply. Responding staff utilized 40 mm, CN gas and pepper spray to gain compliance. The three inmates were treated for minor injuries and placed in ASU.

May 2008

May 12 - An inmate became resistive as two officers were conducting a clothed body search. The inmate assaulted one of the officers by striking him in the chest. Both officers forced the inmate to the ground and while attempting to restrain him, the inmate attempted to punch one of the officer in the face. The inmate stopped resisting and became compliant after hearing that staff were about to use pepper spray. The inmate was secured in handcuffs and placed in Ad Seg. One of the officers sustained minor injuries but returned to work.

May 5 - On a recreation yard, staff members were in a group when an inmate approached and punched one of the officers in the face. Officers ordered all inmates on the yard to assume a prone position. The combative inmate refused to comply and instead punched two other officers in the face. Staff discharged one 40mm direct impact round aimed toward the left of the inmate as a warning. The inmate then complied with orders to assume a prone position. Responding staff secured the inmate in restraints. During the subsequent escort, the inmate attempted to spit on staff. The escorting officers forced the inmate to the ground and a spit hood was applied. One officer suffered a broken nose and was transported to an outside medical facility for additional treatment.

May 2 - An MTA was distributing medication to inmates when an inmate grabbed the MTA's wrist and attempted to pull her arm into the cell through the food port opening. The MTA was able to break free of the inmate's grasp and secure the port door.

April 2008
March 2008

March 30 - While monitoring Recreation Yard on Facility C, staff observed two inmates fighting. Both inmates refused staff orders to stop. Staff used OC, CN, and the 40mm to gain compliance from both inmates. The inmates were placed in ASU.

March 25 - Officers on Facility C Yard were monitoring yard release when they observed four Fresno Bulldog inmates run towards two Southern Hispanics and begin fighting. Staff ordered the yard to get down. Responding staff utilized OC pepper spray, CN and an Exact Impact round to stop the combative inmates and gain compliance with staff orders. All six inmates were medically evaluated, treated, decontaminated and placed in ASU. One of the inmates sustained injuries consistent with having been battered with a weapon. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the discovery of a slashing type weapon.

March 24 - DMH staff was distributing medication to inmates in their cells when an inmate gassed an MTA by throwing an unknown liquid substance on his face and back. The MTA activated his Personal Alarm Device and a Code I response was initiated. The MTA was taken to the Correctional Treatment Center and subsequently transported to an outside medical facility for precautionary exposure treatment.

March 21 - Officers were attempting to conduct a clothed body search when a disruptive inmate assaulted two Officers in the Facility A, Housing Unit 5 dayroom. The Officers immediately grabbed the inmate and forced him to the ground. A Personal Alarm Device was activated. As the Officers attempted to restrain the inmate, the inmate was able to punch both officers in the face. One of the Officers sprayed OC pepper spray with negative results. Responding staff arrived and used physical force to restrain the inmate. After being treated for minor injuries, the inmate was placed in ASU. One Officer returned to work and the second Officer was transported to an outside medical facility for evaluation and treatment of a shoulder injury.

March 14 - Staff on Facility C observed two inmates engaging in mutual combat on the recreation yard. The inmate refused numerous orders to stop fighting and a Code I response was initiated. Staff utilized an Exact Round and OC pepper spray to gain compliance. Both inmates were medically evaluated, decontaminated and re-housed.

February 2008

February 12 - While an MTA was escorting an inmate to a shower, the inmate suddenly kicked the MTA in the lower leg. The inmate continued to resist the MTA as efforts were made to gain control of the inmate. Two other MTAs' responded to the area. Control of the inmate was gained by the MTAs' utilized strength and body weight to force the inmate to the ground. The inmate was medically evaluated and returned to his cell. The three MTAs' sustained minor injuries and were transported to an outside medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

February 6 - While an officer was issuing a property receipt; an inmate suddenly grabbed the officer's arm and pulled him into his cell. Responding staff utilized pepper spray to gain control. The inmate was removed from the cell, medically evaluated and decontaminated prior to re-housing. The officer was medically evaluated and treated for injuries.

February 5 - As he was being escorted to a medical examination, an inmate suddenly kicked a registered nurse. Staff used physical force to regain control of the inmate.

January 2008

January 26 - During a security check inside a Administrative Segregation Unit, officers observed an inmate attacking his cellmate. Staff used pepper spray to stop the assault. Approximately 11 puncture wounds were found on the victim who was sent to an outside hospital.

January 21 - A DMH inmate gassed two MTA's through an open food port. Both MTA's were medically evaluated and required to further treatment.

January 15 - An inmate spit through a cell door opening striking a Medical Technical Assistant.

January 13 - During an escort, a hand-cuffed inmate managed to break free from an officer and struck him in the chest with his elbow. Also at SVSP, on January 12, an inmate threw a cup of coffee at an MTA then began striking the MTA in the face. Another MTA responded and both staff members were able to subdue the inmate.

January 13 - During an escort, a hand-cuffed inmate managed to break free from an officer and struck him in the chest with his elbow. Also at SVSP, on January 12, an inmate threw a cup of coffee at an MTA then began striking the MTA in the face. Another MTA responded and both staff members were able to subdue the inmate.