by the Associated Press
Authorities say more than five inmate fights that all occurred within a week at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility prompted jail officials to move up the timing of a large-scale search that confiscated contraband, including inmate-made weapons.
Jail spokesman Jordan Bell said Friday the fights were all gang-related and none of the inmates suffered serious injuries. The fights broke out among two or three inmates and involved “homemade stabbing devices.” Several inmates were treated for injuries at the facility’s clinic. No staff members were hurt.
The facility temporarily halted visitation privileges the weekend of Feb. 2-3 and restricted movement of inmates because of the fights.
Tuesday’s search involved more than 1,000 inmates in the jail’s central unit yielded 46 weapons, 10 cell phones, eight phone chargers, illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.
