By Tammy Moore Teague
On Friday night, Mansfield Fire and First Responders were first on scene at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center. Moments later, they were flanked by law enforcement officers from the Mansfield Police Department, Huntington Police Department and deputies from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office.
The call came in shortly after 8:30 p.m. According to Mansfield Fire Chief Stephen Haysmer, when they arrived the scene was chaotic. During this time one of the females attempted to escape, however authorities were able to apprehend her very quickly.
Captain Philip Pevehouse with the Sebastian County Sherriff’s Office stated nine were arrested following last nights attempted escape. “This was not a riot,” Pevehouse explained, but rather “an attempted escape.” One of the injured juveniles were taken by Air Evac and the others who were injured were taken to a local hospital. All have since been released. During the attempted escape, one of the MJTC workers was also injured.
Pevehouse said those arrested will be charged with attempted escape and battery. Law Enforcement were able to quickly secure the scene and restore order. Operations at the facility have since returned to normal.
