3 California Deputies Injured In Fight With Drunken Inmates

MILPITAS, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say three Santa Clara County deputies were injured during a fight with a pair of jail inmates suspected of being drunk in their cells.

KNTV reports Tuesday that two inmates in protective custody at Elmwood Correctional Facility allegedly fermented fruit inside their cells and made alcohol.

Sheriff's department spokesman Sgt. James Jensen says three deputies were escorting two inmates out of their cells when one inmate kicked a deputy in the face. He needed stitches for his injury. Two other deputies sustained minor injuries. It was not clear if the inmates were injured.

The melee comes as Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith is under fire after a mentally ill inmate was beaten to death by three deputies while in custody at the main Jail.

Jensen says the sheriff's department wants the inmates in Monday's attack prosecuted to the fullest.

Prison