4 inmates hurt in prison brawl where officer shot pellet gun

LAS VEGAS — Four inmates were hurt at the High Desert State Prison when an officer shot them with a pellet gun to break up a fight.

The Nevada Department of Corrections said ten inmates were in a fight about 5:35 p.m. Friday during dinner time.

Verbal commands to stop were ignored, prompting the officer to first fire a blank round.

Authorities said some inmates continued to fight, so the officer skipped shot a 7 ½ bird shot round, and then fired another pellet gun shot as there were three inmates still fighting.

The four inmates were treated at and released from a medical facility for injuries from the fight and pellet gun. No prison officials were hurt.

The unit involved in the fight was put on lockdown as officials investigate.