COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities say an alleged riot was quelled at Richland County's jail on Sunday, with 40 inmates detained.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department (RCSD) said the incident began with a fire at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The department said deputies and firefighters with the Columbia Police Department responded around 8 p.m. Sunday to a fire allegedly started by multiple inmates.
The sheriff's department said investigators believe the inmates ignited bed sheets and "armed themselves with blunt objects," after which the incident "turned into a riot."
"A detainee broke one of the doors leading to the location of the fire," the sheriff's department said. "CFD forced the door open and extinguished the fire."
The sheriff's department said deputies assisted detention officers in securing 40 inmates. Before a door leading to the area where the detainees were congregating was opened, a guard told the inmates to "get on the floor or they will be tazed," according to the incident report. The report says "as the door to the pot opened he guards turned on their tazers and the inmates got on the floor, and were detained with out further incident."
The sheriff's department said no injuries were reported among the inmates or detention officers, although one detainee was treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital.
On Monday morning, a RCSD spokesperson said of the 40 detainees involved, 14 will be facing charges for their roles in the fire and riot that occurred Sunday. Of the 14 detainees facing new charges, two will be charged with arson and one will be charged with possession of contraband.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott released a statement Monday, saying, Responding to crimes at the Detention Center is an everyday event for the Sheriff's Department. Last night's incident is not the first and will not be the last. We all need to understand that those in the Detention Center are there for a reason, they are accused of committing a crime. Our courts have determined that they are either a flight risk or a danger to the community. We will continue to investigate crimes within the Detention Center and make charges against those who continue their criminal behavior even while incarcerated."
Richland County Council Chairman Overture Walker provided this statement to News 19:
"With litigation pending against the County and an active Department of Justice investigation, I am not at liberty to discuss the detention center. However, I have been briefed on the recent disturbance, and it is imperative for the public to know that the health and safety of all individuals at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center are paramount to Richland County."
Richland County Council has pledged millions of dollars towards improvements at the jail, including new locks. They are also working to fill open correctional officer positions.
"It's just disappointing because it seems like we make two steps forward and then something like this happens. It's one step back, so I know the council is hanging in there for the long run," said Richland County Council Member Don Weaver. "We will get this facility in better shape."
Weaver touted the County's transparency throughout these incidents and the recent investigation by the DOJ.
"It's not like we're trying to hide anything. We've been working with these other agencies that are kind of overlooking our shoulder as to what needs to be done. But it's just, you know, we have a lot of inmates down there that have mental health issues. It's not a mental health facility, but you try to do the best you can with the facilities you have," said Weaver.
The sheriff's department added that it is still investigating the incident and will provide updates as they become available.