Riot and fire at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fire and riot at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Richland County deputies, along with the Columbia Fire Department, responded to the jail around 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov 12, in reference to a fire that was allegedly started by multiple detainees. Investigators believe that the inmates ignited bed sheets and then armed themselves with blunt objects which turned into a riot. Investigators say a detainee broke one of the doors leading to the location of the fire and firefighters forced the door open and extinguished the fire.

Deputies assisted the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center officers by entering the location of the fire and securing all detainees.

According to the sheriff’s department, 40 inmates have been detained without injury to them or detention officers. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

This incident comes as the U.S. Justice Department is also investigating the detention center saying there’s credible allegations the jail is structurally unsafe.