Several inmates were assaulted during an incident Thursday (Jan. 4) at Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford, according to Correctional Service Canada (CSC).
In a press release issued Friday afternoon, CSC said the inmates were “involved in an altercation that resulted in many being the victims of an assault.”
CSC said the injured individuals were evaluated by CSC staff and taken to an outside hospital for treatment.
Several social media posts indicated that Abbotsford Regional Hospital was locked down for a period on Thursday night.
Const. Art Stele, media officer with the Abbotsford Police Department (APD), said the APD was requested at 5:25 p.m. to provide assistance to CSC at the hospital.
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“Due to the background of these inmates posing safety concerns, Corrections requested some resources of AbbyPD to be in place prior to Corrections sending necessary resources to ensure public safety,” Stele said.
He said the APD is continuing to investigate the matter.
No further details have been provided, including the circumstances of the altercation, the number of inmates injured and the nature of their injuries.
CSC said no staff members were injured during the incident.
Matsqui Institution is now under lockdown, and visits have been suspended until further notice.
“Normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so,” the CSC said in the press release.
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