Inmates set fire in Muscogee County Jail in retaliation for cell shakedowns, sheriff says
Inmates set a fire at the Muscogee County Jail late Monday night in retaliation for contraband being taken during cell shakedowns, according to a Facebook post from Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.
The post says several prohibited items were found, including handmade weapons.
To retaliate, inmates in the south tower dorm made wicks from tissue, and a wick was placed in a vent causing a fire with heavy smoke, according to the post.
The sheriff’s office said the wick may have been ignited by an electrical outlet.
The post says around 500 inmates were escorted to secure and non-secure areas of the jail for safety concerns. The jail is about 200 people over its maximum capacity, according to the post.
On- and off-duty Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with officers from the Columbus Police Department, responded to the jail, according to the post.
The post says MCSO K-9 units also responded to ensure nobody attempted to escape.
“Inmates who required medical attention were seen by our medical provider,” the post says.
The incident is under criminal investigation, according to the post.