MANCHESTER, KY - Clay County Jailer Linda Smallwood is reporting that: "On March 7th, around 2 A.M., I received a call that there was a fire inside the jail. The dispatch and fire department had also been called."
Upon arrival, an inmate in cell block (C) had used some garbage and a wire from an e-cigarette to ignite a fire in the shower area. Inmates were trying to riot because they did not want to follow policy and procedure.
The cell was filled with smoke and smoke evacs were turned on and the smoke was quickly cleared. I would like to personally thank the Kentucky State Police, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Manchester Police Department, Lockard’s Creek Fire Department, and Manchester Fire Department for backup and their fast response.
It’s great to know we have each other’s back in a time of need. I do have an evacuation plan in place, however, I’m thankful we didn’t have to use it.
After our backup help had left, inmates began to plot another way to take control. They began to flood the cell, so extra jail staff was called in to deescalate this situation. Once again, we took control and the inmates who were causing the riot surrendered.
Eight inmates were handcuffed through the flap in the cell door and were escorted by staff to a holding cell, while we did a full investigation.
Thanks to my staff for a job well done! There were no injuries to jail staff, first responders, or inmates.
Inmate, James Brandon Lawson, was charged with arson, inciting a riot, 351 counts of wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, and tampering with physical evidence. Lawson has a $50,000 cash bond.
Randall Collett, was charged with inciting a riot, as he was the one who flooded the cell. Collett has a $10,000 cash bond.
I take my job very seriously and the actions of these inmates cannot be taken lightly."
Photos courtesy of the Clay County Detention Center.
Source: Linda Smallwood
