LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Three teenagers housed at the Warren Juvenile Detention Center attacked a youth worker before barricading themselves inside an office, according to Kentucky State Police.
KSP said the juveniles used a filing cabinet to block a doorway around 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29. The Department of Juvenile Justice contacted KSP and Warren County Regional Jail's Critical Emergency Response Team for assistance.
The situation was quickly resolved without any force and none of the juveniles were injured, according to KSP. The teenagers involved are all 16 years old and are being held on charges of murder, robbery and trafficking.
KSP said the teens involved in Saturday's incident were not involved in another incident on Jan. 23 when the three juveniles kicked and punched staff during the “orchestrated” attack at the detention center.
The facility is now operating under controlled confinement due to the recent attacks. The facility in south-central Kentucky is among three high-security detention centers statewide that house male juveniles 14 years old or older who have been charged with a violent or serious offense. Bowling Green is about 123 miles southwest of Louisville.
KSP opened an investigation and criminal charges are being sought by the department.
The state-run juvenile detention system has been beset by violence, spurring a series of actions by Gov. Andy Beshear's administration to try to shore up safety and overcome staffing shortages.
Last year, a riot broke out at another Kentucky detention center, leaving several young people and staff wounded. Order was restored after state police troopers and other law enforcement officers entered the facility.
The state’s juvenile justice department hired a director of security and will add a compliance division to ensure best practices are followed systemwide, Beshear said.
Related stories:
- 3 conduct 'orchestrated' attack on staff at Kentucky juvenile detention center in Bowling Green
- Beshear says male juveniles in Kentucky now separated by crime over multiple detention centers
- Beshear announces changes, improvements to Kentucky's juvenile justice facilities
- Lawmaker proposes $6.5 million in funding to reopen youth detention center in Louisville
- Metro Council hears budget proposal for new Youth Transitional Services Screening Center
- State's new Regional Juvenile Detention Center to open in Jefferson County
Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.
