05/03/13:
The Marion County Jail remains under a modified lockdown this morning following yesterday's disturbance in one of the cell pods.
Two of the jail pods have returned to normal routine, but three units continue under lockdown after inmates in those units became vocally belligerent and threatening during their in-cell mealtime last night. All inmates are in those pods will remain in their cells for the time being.
Jail management is continuing to investigate yesterday's disturbance and the identities of the responsible inmates are still being withheld until that investigation is completed.
Further updates will be provided when conditions at the jail improve.
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05/02/13:
The Marion County Jail remains under lockdown this evening, following a disturbance created by a number of inmates who refused to return to their cell after an outdoor exercise period.
The disturbance began at 1:55pm, when 7-8 inmates were returning to their cells from the exercise yard. One inmate was spotted trying to tamper with the exercise security door by placing something in the door jamb.
Jail staff observed the inmate's actions and alerted the deputies working on the floor who, in turn, ordered the inmates into their cells. The inmates refused and started verbally challenging the deputies. At one point, an inmate armed himself with the handle from a mop and began advancing on the deputies.
Deputies confronted him with a warning that Tasers would be deployed if he and others failed to follow directions to return to their cells. The inmate surrendered the mop handle and entered his cell.
The entire jail was placed under a lock-down order during this time, with all inmates being placed in secure cells until the disturbance was quelled.
The jail's Cell Extraction team was deployed to move several of the instigating inmates in segregation cells, separating them and limiting the threat to the deputies and other inmates. Deputies were forced to deploy pepper spray to gain their compliance.
Regular court proceedings in the court annex and the main courthouse downtown were affected by the lockdown as inmates could not be moved to and from the courtrooms to make their appearances.
The jail was unable to accept new arrestees for several hours but began accepting them again shortly before 5:00pm.
The perimeter of the jail was never breached and at no time was there an opportunity for an inmate to escape. The safety of the surrounding community was never in jeopardy.
There were no injuries to deputies or inmates during the disturbance, and order was restored at the jail by 2:15pm. It is not known how long the jail will remain under lockdown but our concern is for the safety of the 400+ inmates housed there, as well as the jail staff.
Those inmates involved in the disturbance may face additional charges or disciplinary action. Their identities are being withheld until the investigation into the disturbance is complete.
Jail Commander Sheila Lorance commented, "I was very pleased with how the staff handled this incident. The staff followed our protocols for these events and order in the jail was regained within a short period of time. The inmates responsible were identified and will face consequences for their actions. We regret the inconvenience caused to the courts."
Our Office extends its appreciation to the law enforcement agencies affected by the temporary closing of the jail. We understand the burden it placed on their personnel.
No photos or video available.
The Marion County Jail remains under a modified lockdown this morning following yesterday's disturbance in one of the cell pods.
Two of the jail pods have returned to normal routine, but three units continue under lockdown after inmates in those units became vocally belligerent and threatening during their in-cell mealtime last night. All inmates are in those pods will remain in their cells for the time being.
Jail management is continuing to investigate yesterday's disturbance and the identities of the responsible inmates are still being withheld until that investigation is completed.
Further updates will be provided when conditions at the jail improve.
- - - - - - - - - -
05/02/13:
The Marion County Jail remains under lockdown this evening, following a disturbance created by a number of inmates who refused to return to their cell after an outdoor exercise period.
The disturbance began at 1:55pm, when 7-8 inmates were returning to their cells from the exercise yard. One inmate was spotted trying to tamper with the exercise security door by placing something in the door jamb.
Jail staff observed the inmate's actions and alerted the deputies working on the floor who, in turn, ordered the inmates into their cells. The inmates refused and started verbally challenging the deputies. At one point, an inmate armed himself with the handle from a mop and began advancing on the deputies.
Deputies confronted him with a warning that Tasers would be deployed if he and others failed to follow directions to return to their cells. The inmate surrendered the mop handle and entered his cell.
The entire jail was placed under a lock-down order during this time, with all inmates being placed in secure cells until the disturbance was quelled.
The jail's Cell Extraction team was deployed to move several of the instigating inmates in segregation cells, separating them and limiting the threat to the deputies and other inmates. Deputies were forced to deploy pepper spray to gain their compliance.
Regular court proceedings in the court annex and the main courthouse downtown were affected by the lockdown as inmates could not be moved to and from the courtrooms to make their appearances.
The jail was unable to accept new arrestees for several hours but began accepting them again shortly before 5:00pm.
The perimeter of the jail was never breached and at no time was there an opportunity for an inmate to escape. The safety of the surrounding community was never in jeopardy.
There were no injuries to deputies or inmates during the disturbance, and order was restored at the jail by 2:15pm. It is not known how long the jail will remain under lockdown but our concern is for the safety of the 400+ inmates housed there, as well as the jail staff.
Those inmates involved in the disturbance may face additional charges or disciplinary action. Their identities are being withheld until the investigation into the disturbance is complete.
Jail Commander Sheila Lorance commented, "I was very pleased with how the staff handled this incident. The staff followed our protocols for these events and order in the jail was regained within a short period of time. The inmates responsible were identified and will face consequences for their actions. We regret the inconvenience caused to the courts."
Our Office extends its appreciation to the law enforcement agencies affected by the temporary closing of the jail. We understand the burden it placed on their personnel.
No photos or video available.