The Nevada Department of Corrections says two inmates were treated and released from a hospital after a fight occurred at Carlin Conservation Camp on Sunday night.
Authorities say staff deployed chemical agents to quell the disturbance which had grown to an estimated 40 inmates, but the fight continued.
They say staff then called for assistance - Nevada Highway Patrol, Carlin Police Department and Elko County Sheriff's Office SWAT responded to the scene and the fight ended quickly.
39-year-old Sergei Potoyan and 31-year-old Oscar Barreras were transported to Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital where they were treated and released. The Dept. of Corrections says the two are being moved to Lovelock Correctional Center.
They say approximately 20 other inmates involved in the disturbance are being transported to higher security facilities.
The Dept. of Corrections Inspector General’s Office has responded to the Conservation Camp to head the investigation.
Authorities say no staff members were injured during this incident and no damage to the camp facility was reported.
“We don’t take any disturbance lightly,” stated NDOC Director James Dzurenda. “My staff handled this incident very well. For the inmates, it’s a privilege to be at a conservation camp where they are not housed in cells and they train to work as teams. From them we expect much better behavior.”
Conservation Camps house minimum security inmates who are trained by the Nevada Division of Forestry to fight wildland fires. During the off season, inmates support the community by assisting with snow removal, weed abatement or other seasonal jobs as needed.
(The Nevada Department of Corrections contributed to this report)
