GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD) — Five children and four staff members were injured during what the Knox County Sheriff’s Office termed a “riot” at the Mary Davis Home Juvenile Detention Center.
According to Detective Brandie Catton, deputies responded to the detention center at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night on a report of a “disturbance” that quickly escalated into something more when a group of juveniles became combative.
There was an “emergency response by facility staff and local law enforcement,” Catton said.
Staff members sustained non-life-threatening injuries while attempting to regain control. All individuals — staff and the juveniles — were evaluated and treated by medical personnel at the scene. Some that needed additional medical attention were taken to OSF HealthCare Saint Mary’s hospital.
The facility was secured and the incident was contained within the building. There is no current threat to the surrounding community, Catton said.
An internal investigation has been initiated and is being conducted in coordination with local law
enforcement. Additional charges may be considered for those found to have instigated or participated in acts of violence, according to the detective.
This is the second time in less than two years such an incident has been reported. A similar incident occurred in March 2024.
During that incident, eight staff members were injured, with some transported to the hospital due to their injuries. Two juveniles were also treated and released. The detention home also sustained significant damages during that incident.
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