COLUMBIA, S.C. — Several new assaults and stabbings took place over the weekend at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, Richland County deputies say. The incidents happened days after a federal investigation was launched into the jail over what investigators say are unsafe conditions.
Deputies say on Friday, November 3 they were called to the jail after getting a report that two men who were detainees were attacked by other people housed at the jail. Deputies say it appeared the two victims had been injured by sharp objects. Both injuries were considered non life-threatening.
On Sunday, November 5, deputies say they got a report around 10:30 p.m. of another man who was stabbed and assaulted by two fellow detainees. The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries described as non life-threatening.
While officers were investigating that case, they say they learned of two other assaults. One involved a detainee who was in the jail infirmary who'd been attacked. According to deputies, the man was beaten and stabbed while he was sleeping. Deputies say this assault was not reported to the sheriff's department.
They also were told of another detainee who was taken to the hospital injuries to his head that are not considered life-threatening, but were called serious. Deputies say this assault was also not reported to deputies.
All the incidents remain under investigation.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced last week they'd launched a probe into the jail after receiving credible allegations that the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center is structurally unsafe and that there have been sexual assaults, homicides, and prevalent violence resulting in serious injuries.
The DOJ says six inmates have died at the jail since the beginning of 2022, and in that time (not including the most recent cases) there have been 16 stabbings or assaults, two escapes, and two alleged rapes at the jail. In May and June alone, nine people were injured in violent incidents, the agency said. Additionally, they said there have been concerns about the physical conditions at the jail, including reports of rats and mold.
The jail is under the office of the Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown. Brown told reporters last Thursday that the county council has allocated funding to increase staffing and upgrade facilities. Brown committed to holding individuals responsible for any wrongdoing uncovered and blamed some violence on gang members who continue their “activity" behind bars.
"We are fully committed to the safety, security and well-being of detainees and employees at the Alvin. S. Glenn Detention Center," Brown said.