34 St. Louis Jail Inmates Riot, Causing $30,800 Damage as Staff Shortages Limited Access
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
34 St. Louis Jail Inmates Riot, Causing $30,800 Damage as Staff Shortages Limited Access
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
Summary
A 100-page report and newly released video show 34 inmates briefly seized a housing unit at the St. Louis County Justice Center on Feb. 7, forcing officers to use chemical agents to retake it.
Phone and Wi-Fi problems, reduced time outside cells and broader movement limits triggered the unrest, which county officials said stemmed from severe correctional staffing shortages.
The disturbance escalated from a mass refusal to return to cells into barricades and vandalism, with inmates knocking down a security camera and damaging televisions, a commissary kiosk and ceiling panels.
Four alleged main actors were referred to Clayton police and county prosecutors for possible charges, while total property damage topped $30,800.
County leaders have since approved $3 million in emergency medical funding for the nearly 1,200-inmate jail, which is also trying to fill about 80 officer vacancies and expand training.