An investigation is underway into a violent incident this week at Atascadero State Hospital involving four staff members and three patients.
The California Department of State Hospitals says the patients attacked the staff members Tuesday night causing a struggle during which police officers used pepper spray.
"The incident began about 8:30 p.m., when two patients tried to incite other patients in the area by shoving around furniture," said Ralph Montano in a statement from the department's office of communications. "Staff surrounded the two patients and summoned additional help to the area. The two patients and a third patient then charged at staff."
One officer is now being treated for broken ribs and the other for a possible torn muscle.
The three patients were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy, assault, battery and resisting an officer, and were booked into the San Luis Obispo County jail.