AKRON, Ohio — What began as a Christmas Day shift at the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center ended with six detention officers injured after a group of teens allegedly carried out a riot authorities say had been planned for more than a week.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office completed its investigation into the Dec. 25 disturbance, concluding that seven juveniles coordinated the incident, assaulted staff and gained unauthorized access to secured areas of the facility, WOIO reports.
Sheriff’s investigation: Riot was planned
According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office report, the teens had been planning the riot for more than a week. Their intent was to start a fight and “jump” other juveniles and staff members.
The situation escalated after one juvenile obtained a detention officer’s electronic access badge — used to swipe open secure doors inside the facility.
“One of the juveniles was able to get their hands on one of my DO’s badges,” Summit County Juvenile Detention Center Supervisor Aidan Stokes said, according to the sheriff’s report.
Using the badge, seven teens accessed restricted areas and took control of portions of the facility for approximately 45 minutes, WOIO reports.
Surveillance video reviewed by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office shows the teens overturning tables and chairs and throwing items throughout the housing area. At one point, they poured soap and water across the floor before officers entered the room.
“It was a straight set up,” Summit County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jason Kline said in the investigative report, noting that responding officers slipped when they entered the area.
Video shows two detention officers falling to the floor. Several teens then rushed in and kicked and beat the downed officers.
During the disturbance, a 17-year-old reportedly broke the metal clip from a clipboard and threatened to stab officers with it, according to WOIO.
Six detention officers assaulted
According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, six detention officers were assaulted during the riot.
Officer Donnell Stoner suffered a fractured rib and was transported to a hospital for treatment, according to WOIO.
The investigative report also states that one detention officer was sexually assaulted during the incident.
Supervisor Stokes sustained a forehead injury when a juvenile allegedly slammed a door on him while he attempted to escort the teen back to his room.
“I was down here and they called a code. I went up running and it was just a dumpster fire by the time that I got there,” Stokes said, according to the sheriff’s report.
The Akron Police Department responded to assist in securing the detention center.
Summit County Sheriff’s Deputy Vincent Tersigni told investigators that once Akron officers arrived, the teens complied.
“When these guys saw Akron, they all just immediately laid down on the floor and cuffed up without force,” Tersigni said in the report.
The seven juveniles — ranging in age from 14 to 18 — face charges including assault, escape, aggravated riot and vandalism.
The 16-year-old accused of fracturing Stoner’s rib is charged with felonious assault. At least two of the juveniles will be tried as adults.
