Several hundred inmates at a privately owned federal prison went on a rampage, trashing a cafeteria and setting at least two small fires before returning to their cells early Monday.

Warden J. Blanchard Hopkins said no one was injured and no hostages were taken."The inmates themselves were not in a mood where they wanted to hurt anybody," Hopkins said.

The incident started at about 4 p.m. Sunday, when inmates refused to leave a recreation area. They broke windows in the cafeteria, set fire to some papers and burned some sheets and bedding, Hopkins said.

Neither of the fires caused serious damage.

View Comments

The inmates agreed to return to their cells after Hopkins told them through a negotiator that those who were not responsible for the rioting would not be punished.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.