Two Prison Guards Attacked By Inmates

Two guards were attacked by inmates at the state prison in Lancaster - the second such incident in the past three months.

Prison officials say correctional officers Nicole Hawthorne and Henry Romo were attacked by two cellmates early Saturday while escorting prisoners to breakfast. Hawthorne was treated for blurred vision and cuts and released. Romo was not injured.

The suspects, 47-year-old Aaron Washington and 30-year-old Sharifu Washington, suffered minor injuries. They were transferred to a state prison in Tehachapi. Prison officials say both are serving life sentences for first-degree murder, and could face prosecution for the assaults.

Authorities believe that the men may have started the altercation because the prison has cut back inmates´ privileges, including the removal of weights, a strict dress policies and a ban on pornographic magazines.

Officials say the crackdown may have also motivated the attack on three prison guards by Crips gang members last August.