By Corrections1 Staff
PHOENIX — An Arizona riot that left one inmate dead was triggered after an encounter with a drunk, combative prisoner, authorities said.
The Associated Press reports that one contributing factor that led to the March 1 riot at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Yuma was inmates’ frustration over frequent lockdowns. During lockdowns, officers would search housing areas for homemade alcohol, cutting half the time inmates could spend on the prison yard, an Arizona DOC report said.
The riot started when an intoxicated inmate refused to follow a correctional officer’s directions and assaulted the officer. This prompted officers to take the inmate to the ground and place him into restraints.
As the combative inmate was being escorted, a large group of inmates ran toward the officers and began to assault them. The inmates believed the COs used excessive force against the combative inmate, according to the report.
Inmates threw rocks and gained access to officer stations by breaking through a drywall ceiling and looted items stored in a medical cabinet. The report said the officers fired pepper balls at inmates and were forced to retreat at various times during the riot.
Inmate Adam J. Coppa, 32, was fatally shot as inmates, who were also equipped with makeshift shields, advanced toward officers. One officer fired three buck shots at advancing inmates. Coppa’s death remains under investigation.
Six COs were fired or quit after being accused of intentionally damaging 145 televisions and other possessions for inmates. The report said video captured several officers intentionally damaging inmate property, but it didn’t state a reason why officers damaged the property. The DOC also spent $28,000 to replace the TVs.
“The intolerable actions of these former officers violate every facet of what it means to be a correctional officer and dishonor the positive daily efforts of thousands of honest and dedicated corrections professionals in Arizona,” Corrections Director Charles Ryan said.
Inmates complied with officers’ orders and were restrained two hours after the riot started. In all, 10 staff members and 25 inmates were injured in the melee.
The report also said there was confusion among staff over who was the incident commander once the riot started. The agency said it has taken disciplinary measures against some members of the leadership team and will undertake additional training to prevent similar disturbances.
Overall, the riot caused $467,000 in damage at the prison.