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Riot sparked by bet over cup of noodles at juvenile facility

150 deputies called in to restore order

By Micah Grimes and Chris Trenkmann
ABC Action News

AVON PARK, Fla. — A reneging on a bet for cups of noodles triggered a riot and takeover by juveniles at a correctional facility in rural Polk County for several hours Saturday night.

“This was a full blown riot,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “I watched them throw objects at us and our deputies. I watched them break windows.”

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the all-male Avon Park Youth Academy in a rural area near the Highlands County town of Avon Park, but in unincorporated Polk County, was taken over by juveniles housed there around 8:30 p.m.

150 law enforcement officers, including many in full riot gear, were called in to restore order after the greatly outnumbered staff was overrun.

Full story: Riot at juvenile correctional facility near Avon Park triggered by fight over cups of noodles