(May 7, 2004) - Arizona State Prison Complex - Lewis has returned to normal operations except for Buckley Unit - which remains on lock-down. The entire 4,500-inmate prison went on lock-down after a scuffle between 2 inmates on the recreation yard at Buckley Unit, a Level 4, medium-high security yard with a total of 800 inmates.

The two inmates, the other 100 inmates in the yard, and 50 inmates in the chow hall, all failed to comply with officers' orders to stand down. Other crowd control measures were used, including mace. When inmates still refused to comply, two 7-member DART (Designated Armed Response Teams) and one TSU (Tactical Support Unit) team we deployed immediately from on-site. They restored order by handcuffing the inmates and returning them to their cells.

Nine inmates have been identified as instigators, segerated, and will likely be sent to a higher custody level unit at ASPC-Eyman. An investigation will continue through the weekend.

One correctional officer who was on the yard at the beginning of the incident was examined by medical staff after being hit by a rock thrown by inmates. That officer, along with two others suffering from heat-related distress, have been returned to duty with no further need of medical assistance.

No inmates were injured and no damage was reported.

Visitation for the weekend will go on as planned with the exception of Buckley Unit. Visitation will likely be restored to Buckley on Sunday, except for the 150 inmates involved in the incident today.

For Further Information --Cam Hunter, Public Information Officer, Arizona Department of Corrections 602-320-3908 or Comm Center 602-542-1212

Return To Latest News