20 inmates, 2 officers injured in Chicago jail fights

CHICAGO (AP) - About 20 inmates and two correctional officers were injured in a series of fights at a jail in Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/2e9DqAW ) two officers and eight inmates at the Cook County Jail were sent to hospitals after the Tuesday night fights. At least a dozen more prisoners were treated for less serious injuries.

Cook County Sheriff's Office Chief Policy Officer Cara Smith says five of the eight inmates were treated and released. They suffered beating or stabbing injuries. Smith says one of the officers was treated and released and the second officer was treated for a head injury.

Smith says the fights broke out in three different living units within the jail's Division 9.

Smith said criminal charges are possible as authorities' investigation continues.

___

Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com