A security guard was one of the victims of a violent fight between Chukchansi tribal members Tuesday morning. A member of the tribe was stabbed and several others had minor injuries.
"Then they started tear gasing us, they broke all the windows, theyve tear gased us three times, they threw a brick in the window and hit my daughter in the face," said Annette Allen, a member of the tribe.
More than a hundred Sheriff Deputies from nearby counties, CHP, K9 officer and a helicopter had to respond and break up the riot. The violence comes as a result of two months of disputes following the last council elections. The old council refuses to step down, the new council continues to try to take power. Supporters of the new council broke into tribal head quarters Monday, that step ultimately led to the physical fight betwen the two groups.
"I fell on my knee, my bad knee yesterday while i ducked when i thought i heard a shot," said Dixie Jackson, one of the newly elected tribal members.
Both sides blame eachother for the violence, authorities cannot confirm who's to blame.
"They were in that building and they came out and violently attacked security people, and we have it on film," said Richard Verri, the attorney representing the old council.
Hours after Tuesday morning's outburst, Madera County Sheriff John Anderson negotiated with both sides and evacuated everybody. The tribal complex is now locked down. Sheriff Anderson does not believe members of the Chukchansi tribe can work out their problems on their own.
"Were trying to negotiate a deal with the bureau of indian affairs within the next 48 hours. its going to be locked down for 48 hours," said Sheriff Anderson.
There are two seperate security companies that will now have to keep everybody out of the tribal headquarters, but they were hired by members of the tribe.
Two people were detained, Anderson said one will likely be arrested, its unclear what kind of charges that person will face.