Palmetto Youth Academy, Palmetto, Florida

September 4, 2019

According to the Bradenton Herald, forty-three juveniles engaged in what police called a “riot.”

An incident report released by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office stated that the 43 juveniles “were throwing chairs and breaking windows.”

Local Deputies were called in to respond to the incident. According to the report, Deputies ordered all three pods to lock down. All of the juveniles complied except one, who had to be handcuffed and escorted back to his cell.

Deputies reported no injuries as a result of the incident.

TrueCore, the private corrections company who operates the facility, told a different story. According to a statement from the company, only seven juveniles participated in the uprising, and all complied with orders when they were given.

TrueCore’s Communications Director, Jack Eich, said in a statement, “At no time were the youth or staff in any danger and there were no reported injuries.”

It is still not clear what exactly sparked the uprising.

Citations:

“Juveniles riot at Palmetto Youth Academy, cops say“, Bradenton Herald, September 11, 2019.

“Florida juvenile facility locked down after riot“, ABC Action News Tampa Bay, September 12, 2019.

Article published: 9/15/19

Header photo source: Bradenton Herald