ACI investigating prison scuffle

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Troopers with the Rhode Island State Police and officers at the Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston are still investigating Friday afternoon's prison scuffle.

Spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections , Tracey Zeckhausen, confirmed what Director A.T. Wall told Eyewitness News Friday after an inmate started a fight that sent the ACI into lockdown mode.

Wall said the "inmate had an unauthorized item in his possession. Two officers approached him and asked him to surrender it and were handcuffing him for disciplinary reasons."

The inmate resisted and fought back, which prompted about 6 additional inmates to join in as a scuffle ensued.

"These are the inherent dangers we face every day," added Bob Miller, who is the Vice President of the R.I . Brotherhood of Correctional Officers.

Nine correctional officers and three inmates had to be transported to area hospitals for treatment, but all twelve were shortly released for their injuries, none of which were serious.

However, Zeckhausen said the investigation will continue over the weekend as the prison remains in lockdown mode. On Friday, Wall said that all visits had been canceled and the prisoners were being fed in their cells.