Texarkana hospital allegedly taken over by patients; three juveniles in custody

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 Sunday at 9:30 a.m. that said unruly patients took 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, authorities said.

Police said 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, police said.

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

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.

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