Jail brawl blamed on gang rivalries

SAN DIEGO, July 23 (UPI) -- Twenty inmates were injured in a brawl that sent nine to the hospital and prompted a lockdown at a San Diego jail.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Wednesday the fight, which occurred during breakfast, involved about 50 inmates, mostly Hispanics, and apparently was sparked by tensions between members of rival gangs.

The fight erupted Tuesday in a 146-bed housing module within the 1,696-bed George F. Bailey Detention Facility, said sheriff's spokesman Chris Saunders. Injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to two men who were beaten unconscious.

Seven of the injured were taken to the hospital via ambulance; two were flown by helicopter.

Deputies used pepper spray to quell the fighting. Other deputies in riot gear then entered the module to carry the injured to a nearby recreation yard.

No one was arrested in connection with the fight but authorities have not concluded their investigation.