Prison inmate beaten with rocks

A Nevada State Prison inmate was in stable condition at Washoe Medical Center on Wednesday after he was beaten with rocks by four fellow prisoners.

The attack occurred in the NSP yard on Fifth Street about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Glen Whorton, director of the Nevada Department of Corrections.

Whorton said guards fired "a couple of warning shots and that controlled the incident."

"The institution is under partial lockdown at this time," he said. "We expect to return to normal operations after a complete investigation and a sweep of the institution for weapons and contraband."

Whorton said that in addition to seeking disciplinary charges, he intends to ask the attorney general to prosecute the prisoners.

Whorton said he doesn't have the victim's name. Investigators were still sorting out exactly what happened and why.

"We don't know if it's a gang thing, personal or some other issue," he said.

Whorton said the incident will have another effect as well: A sweep of the yard to remove rocks and other objects big enough to cause serious injury.

The victim remains in stable condition undergoing treatment.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.