PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eleven men were charged after a disturbance at the Platte County Detention Center in December that lasted for more than five hours, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said about 25 inmates participated in the riot on Dec. 20, although some were “passive participants,” KCTV-TV reported.
The inmates barricaded doors and flooded the shower room, and also used wet paper towels to cover observation windows and a camera, investigators said. The inmates reportedly destroyed jail property and refused to return to their cells.
- Joshua Ray Vasquez: Charged with damage to jail/jail property {Felony E RSMo: 221.353}, Rioting {Misdemeanor A RSMo: 574.050}
- Josef Thomaz Cunningham: Charged with refusal to disperse {Misdemeanor C RSMo: 574.060}
- Nathan James Martin: Charged with refusal to disperse {Misdemeanor C RSMo: 574.060}
- James Mitchell Keller: Charged with refusal to disperse {Misdemeanor C RSMo: 574.060}
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said two SWAT teams used small plastic balls filled with OC powder, also known as pepper spray, to end the riot.
“Inmates weren’t happy that they couldn’t get their e-cigarettes,” Zahnd said. “As result, some of them decided to cause a riot in the jail.”
Four suspects were charged with damage to jail property, which is a felony, and rioting, which is a misdemeanor. The others were charged with refusal to disperse.
Zahnd said additional inmates could be charged as the investigation continues.