11-Hour Texas Prison Riot Ends

GROESBECK, Tex. — About 200 inmates at a minimum security prison ended a nearly 11-hour riot early Saturday by surrendering, and all 475 inmates at the facility were evacuated to other prisons.

Some inmates suffered minor injuries from tear gas blasted inside the Limestone County Minimum Security Detention Center, Sheriff Dennis Walker said. Assistant Warden Karen Medik said one inmate was hospitalized for respiratory problems. No guards were hurt.

The riot began at about 5 p.m. Friday after some inmates had been told to clean their cells. About 100 refused and their television privileges were revoked. A revolt ensued, state trooper Frank Whaley said.

Inmates had rampaged through two wings of the prison, destroying sinks and lockers and breaking dishes, Whaley said. They began giving up in groups of five before dawn, and the prison was evacuated, Walker said. He added that no shots were fired before the surrenders.