robinson was the scene of two escapes in 1990, an extensive prison riot in june 1990, when 300 to 400 inmates set fire to the mess hall and gymnasium, and a worse riot on july 12, 1994. members of the "20 love" gangs from hartford and new haven clashed with bridgeport gangs over the use of washing machines. the fight escalated and resulted in two inmate deaths, 35 detainees injured, two correctional officers injured, and all six of robinson's dorm buildings under control of inmates for at least an hour. overcrowding 1075 prisoners into a facility built for 880 was identified as a contributing factor.