Teenagers Take Over Section of Riverview Behavioral Hospital
Three teenage boys have been arrested after a group of juveniles caused a major disruption at Riverview Behavioral Hospital in Texarkana, Arkansas, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Sunday when the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD) responded to an emergency call from the hospital, which specializes in behavioral health treatment.
Patients Break Windows, Staff Trapped in Nurse’s Station
In a statement, the TAPD said the group of juveniles began a riot and gained control of a section of the facility. The teens reportedly used a piece of metal to break interior windows in an attempt to escape the hospital. Staff members were trapped inside a nurse’s station while the situation escalated.
“Dispatch was advised the patients had gained control of a piece of metal and were using it to break out interior windows in an apparent effort to escape the facility,” the department said.
Riot Gear Officers De-escalate the Situation
Law enforcement from TAPD and other agencies arrived at the scene to find hospital staff cornered by the group of patients. Officers, wearing riot gear, developed a plan to evacuate the trapped staff and secure the patients involved in the disturbance. Police were able to successfully de-escalate the situation without any major injuries to patients, staff, or officers.
Arrests and Charges
Three teens—a 17-year-old and two 15-year-olds—were arrested and charged with inciting a riot. They were taken to a juvenile detention facility. The other juveniles involved in the disruption were returned to the hospital’s custody.
TAPD Captain Zach White told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that approximately 25 juvenile patients participated in the unrest.
