Jefferson County, Arkansas – Staff at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center stopped a detainee from escaping through the facility’s sallyport door during a disturbance shortly before 9 p.m. October 18, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the incident began when two male detainees sharing a cell attempted to start a fire using a tablet provided for communication, education or recreation. The disturbance escalated when jail personnel opened the cell door.
Interim assistant jail administrator Cadijah Jackson said one detainee became aggressive while the other ran to hide. According to the sheriff’s office, the aggressive detainee assaulted staff, and personnel from both the Pine Bluff Police Department and the sheriff’s office deployed Tasers to bring him under control.
Read also: North Little Rock police investigate fatal shooting on Farmstead Road
While staff were responding to that confrontation, the second detainee allegedly attempted to flee. Officials said he moved toward the sallyport door but was intercepted and detained before he could escape the facility.
Both detainees were subsequently placed on lockdown. The sheriff’s office said each had a history of disciplinary problems, although the announcement did not provide details about those earlier incidents.
The account released by authorities describes two connected security concerns: the alleged attempt to ignite a fire inside the shared cell and the subsequent effort by one detainee to leave the detention center during the staff response.
“The safety and security of our detention facility, our staff and the individuals in our custody remain our highest priorities,” said Jackson. “Any attempt to circumvent security measures or flee lawful custody is taken seriously. Our staff responded appropriately to the situation, and this incident shows why we need to stay vigilant, follow our procedures, and hold people accountable for their actions. We will continue to evaluate our practices and take any necessary steps to maintain the integrity and security of our facility.”
Read also: Fort Smith to serve as Arkansas’ Capital for a Day on October 21
Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. said the incident had been addressed and that any further review would follow the facility’s policies and procedures. His comments emphasized staff vigilance and compliance with established security measures.
“We consider any attempt to flee lawful custody a serious matter,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “Our priority is maintaining a safe, secure, and well-managed detention facility, and we remain committed to ensuring our staff stays vigilant and continues to follow established security procedures. We addressed the incident, and any additional reviews or actions will be handled in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.”
The sheriff’s office did not identify either detainee in the announcement. It also did not specify whether anyone was injured during the disturbance or report the extent of any damage associated with the alleged fire attempt.
The Criminal Investigation Division is continuing to investigate. Authorities said both detainees could face additional charges, but the announcement did not identify any new charges that had been filed.
