Hospital in Texarkana allegedly taken over by patients; three arrests

TEXARKANA, Ark. ( KTAL/KMSS ) – Three juveniles are in custody after a group of juvenile patients allegedly took over a section of a hospital in Texarkana.

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department received a 911 call on Sun., Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. that stated unruly patients had taken over a section of Riverview Behavioral Hospital on the Arkansas side of the city.

911 dispatchers were told patients had begun a riot after using a piece of metal to break out interior windows in a possible escape attempt.

Officers arrived on the scene and learned that several staff members were trapped inside a nurses’ station that had been surrounded by unruly patients.

The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department and area agencies coordinated a plan of action. Riot gear and less-lethal equipment were used as officers entered the facilities and de-escalated the situation.

The hospital’s staff was evacuated to a safe location and officials determined that no major injuries were incurred by patients, staff members, or law enforcement personnel.

Three males, ages 15, 15, and 17, were taken into custody. They face charges related to inciting a riot. They are being transported to a juvenile detention facility.

TAPD would like to thank the Arkansas State Police, Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, Fouke Police Department, Hooks Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Office, Nash Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texarkana Texas Police Department for their assistance in the incident.

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