Tennessee inmates riot, leading to $15k+ in damages and ‘significant’ flooding
By Addison Howard
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GRUNDY COUNTY, Tennessee (WRCB) — An active riot by several inmates at the Grundy County Jail last week caused extensive damage to the facility.
According to a release from Sheriff Virgil McNeece, a riot in the facility’s maximum security housing unit “A-Pod” broke out. At the time, there were 17 inmates housed in the pod where three employees were staffed. It’s unclear how many inmates participated.
Due to the incident’s severity and concerns for employee safety, multiple law enforcement agencies were asked to provide mutual aid so deputies could bring the situation under control.
Once a response team was organized, officers made entry into the housing unit:
“Upon entry, officers discovered that inmates had placed sharp, broken mop handles near the entrance of the pod, creating a dangerous obstacle capable of causing serious injury upon entering the area. Once inside, the officers were able to gain control of the situation without injury.”
Officials estimated that the damaged property will cost between $15,000 and $20,000 to repair or replace, including: -inmate telephones -security cameras -fire alarm systems -entry-door windows -skylights -sprinkler system
The damaged sprinklers also led to significant flooding within the housing unit.
Repairs are currently underway and are expected to take eight weeks:
“The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office understands the importance of jail ministries, volunteers, and outside program providers in providing positive and rehabilitative opportunities to inmates. We respectfully ask everyone involved to remain patient while repairs are completed.”
All of the inmates identified to have participated in the riot have been charged with aggravated rioting, vandalism over $10,000, and attempted aggravated assault on law enforcement.
Two other inmates will face charges related to attempted escape.
Sheriff McNeece did not release any of their names in his statement.
However, he did have a message for the inmates:
“The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate destruction of county property, attempts to escape custody, or actions that place correctional officers or other inmates in danger.
We would also like to recognize and thank the surrounding law enforcement agencies that responded and assisted during this incident. Their assistance was critical in restoring order and maintaining the safety and security of the facility.”
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