Cameras unavailable during attack at Men’s Central Jail: LASD

Cameras that likely would have shown an altercation between inmates and deputies at the Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail over the weekend were unavailable due to maintenance issues, officials announced Tuesday.

The incident, which authorities said started as an attack by inmates on a deputy, took place Sunday while the deputy was assisting with the movement of inmates from their housing location.

“Three additional deputies responded to assist and were also assaulted,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated on Tuesday.

All four deputies were taken to a local hospital, including one said to have a puncture wound, for medical treatment and have since been released.

The inmates were also medically evaluated and have remained in custody at the jail.

However, surveillance video of the incident is unavailable. “The cameras were temporarily unavailable due to maintenance issues, but those issues have been resolved, and the cameras are now fully operational,” the Sheriff’s Department said.

The Department’s homicide investigators have assumed the investigation and will present it to the L.A. District Attorney’s Office for consideration.

“The assault on our custody deputies is absolutely unacceptable, and we will take swift action to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable,” the Sheriff’s Department said. “Our employees work hard under challenging conditions to maintain a safe environment for everyone in our care and custody.”