WAYCROSS, Ga. — 9:10 a.m. Update: The Georgia Department of Corrections have released a statement regarding a riot at the Ware State Prison that left inmates and staff members hurt:
“The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) is investigating a disturbance caused by inmates at Ware State Prison in Waycross, Ga., which occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m., August 1. The cause of the disturbance is unknown at this time.
Two staff members received minor non life-threatening injuries, and three inmates received non life-threatening injuries during the incident. A golf cart was set on fire and several windows were broken, but no major damage to the facility has been reported. Officers deployed non-lethal ammunition, and the incident was brought under control. The facility was locked down at approximately 1:00 a.m., August 2. At no time was public safety at risk.”
Original Story:
Multiple agencies responded to a riot at the Ware State Prison in Waycross overnight.
At 2:21 a.m. Sunday, officials with the Georgia Department of Corrections told Action News Jax that the situation was under control following a “disturbance” and that the prison was placed on lockdown.
“Two staff members received minor, non life-threatening injuries and there are no reported inmate injuries at this time,” the GDC said in a statement. In an update around 3:43 a.m., the GDC said two inmates received injuries that are non life-threatening in addition to the two staff members.
Action News Jax received multiple phone calls from concerned viewers about multiple graphic videos circulating on social media, including one that appears to show a fire around the prison. Action News Jax is still working to confirm the authenticity of the video.
The Waycross Police Department was one of the agencies that responded to the incident and helped form a perimeter at the prison.
Action News Jax is working to learn more information. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
But here's what I can tell you #rightnow from the GA DOC:
— Courtney Cole (@CourtneyANJax) August 2, 2020
-2 inmates were hurt, w/non-life-threatening injuries, (However I will tell you, it looks different on the videos circulating on social media.)
-2 prison staff members hurt, minor injuries @ActionNewsJax
I've also reached out the Ware County S.O., but they re-directed me back to the Ware State Prison. The phone line at the prison was tied up for a bit, but the last time I called, (earlier this hour), it just rang for a 1:45, until the call ended on its own. @ActionNewsJax
— Courtney Cole (@CourtneyANJax) August 2, 2020
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