LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – Several state and local law enforcement stepped in to assist during a disturbance at the Liberty County Jail during a periodic contraband check.
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Details are limited due to how active the investigation is, but based on preliminary information from the Liberty Co. Sheriff’s Office, it appears that everything started because the guards were in the middle of periodic checks for contraband in the inmates’ jail dorms.
On this particular day, however, at least four or five inmates that Lt. John Bennet with the Sheriff’s Office described as “instigators” were being hostile half an hour into the checks. Those inmates then reportedly tried to “take over” the jail dorms by smashing windows and refusing to let guards in.
We’re told there were 44 inmates across two dorms involved in the incident in addition to the four or five “instigators.”
After about 30 minutes, the incident was quelled and one of the “main instigators” Lt. Bennet said, suffered some injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Some of the inmates may have to stay at another facility due to damage at the jail, but Sheriff Bobby Raider said many of the jails he reached out to are at full capacity.
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“If you get arrested in Liberty County, you will be treated fairly and respectfully, and we expect the same in return. This behavior is unacceptable, and those responsible will face charges,” Liberty County Lt. Bennett said in a statement regarding the incident.
The inmates deemed responsible for instigating the commotion will face charges, Liberty County officials confirmed.