Six more inmates are now charged for their alleged involvement in the Christmas Day clash at the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center that left two officers injured with non-life-threatening injuries and damaged property.
One 14-year-old, 16-year-old and 17-year-old face assault on a detention officer, aggravated riot and vandalism charges, according to a Summit County Sheriff’s Office news release. Two 16-year-old boys are charged with escape and disorderly conduct. A third 16-year-old is charged with two counts of assault on a detention officer.
Charges were previously announced against the only adult, 18-year-old Je’miere Jones of Barberton, who faces aggravated riot and vandalism charges and two counts of assault on a detention officer.
Grand jurors are expected to hear Jones’ case on March 6, according to Akron Municipal Court records. If they return a bill of indictment, Jones could face a criminal trial in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. Jones could also face additional charges.
7 inmates were involved in alleged riot
The Akron Police Department responded to the detention center at about 7:05 p.m. on Dec. 25 for four juveniles who started “a riot and were unsecured. Multiple staff members were said to have been assaulted,” said Lt. Michael Murphy, APD public information officer.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation, identified at least seven inmates who participated in the alleged incident. All inmates were in the same housing unit. Jones was the only legal adult.
During the “disruptive and destructive” incident, inmates allegedly threw tables and chairs and damaged and broke facility property.
Jones is accused of throwing one officer to the ground and punching another. He is accused of throwing a portable radio against the wall several times and breaking it and a clock. He also allegedly threw a television on the ground and broke it.
In a statement to the Beacon Journal, a spokesperson for the Summit County Juvenile Court said there was no risk to the public.
“The public was never at risk thanks to the prompt response of Detention staff and the assistance of the Akron Police Department,” the statement read.
Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 6 more inmates charged in Christmas clash at Summit juvenile jail
Reporting by Bryce Buyakie, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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