Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Jefferson County authorities prevented an inmate from escaping a detention facility in Pine Bluff after two detainees allegedly attempted to start a fire inside their cell, leading to a confrontation with jail staff.
The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said the situation began when two male inmates housed in the same cell attempted to use a tablet to start a fire. The device had been provided for detainees to use for communication, educational activities and entertainment.
The disturbance quickly developed into a security incident involving aggressive behavior, an alleged assault on staff and an attempted escape through the facility’s sallyport door.
Despite the confusion, deputies and detention employees managed to bring the situation under control before either inmate could leave the facility.
Disturbance inside cell leads to confrontation with jail staff
Interim Assistant Jail Administrator Cadijah Jackson explained that the incident escalated after detention employees opened the cell door to respond to the situation.
According to Jackson, one of the detainees became angry and began behaving aggressively, while the second inmate ran away to hide.
The first detainee allegedly assaulted members of the detention staff as they attempted to handle the disturbance.
Officers from the Pine Bluff Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the situation and deployed tasers to control the aggressive inmate.
While employees were focused on restraining that detainee, the second inmate reportedly saw an opportunity to escape.
Authorities said he attempted to flee through the detention center’s sallyport door while staff members were dealing with the other inmate.
However, detention personnel noticed the escape attempt and intercepted him before he could get out of the facility.
Jackson emphasized that maintaining security remains a central responsibility for everyone working at the detention center.
“The safety and security of our detention facility, our staff and the individuals in our custody remain our highest priorities,” said Jackson. “Any attempt to circumvent security measures or flee lawful custody is taken seriously. Our staff responded appropriately to the situation, and this incident shows why we need to stay vigilant, follow our procedures, and hold people accountable for their actions. We will continue to evaluate our practices and take any necessary steps to maintain the integrity and security of our facility.”
Both inmates placed on lockdown as investigation continues
Following the incident, authorities placed both detainees on lockdown.
Officials also confirmed that the two inmates had previously experienced disciplinary problems while in custody.
The Sheriff’s Office said the attempted escape was stopped before the second detainee could leave the detention center, while the aggressive inmate was brought under control after officers used tasers.
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. stressed that the department treats escape attempts as serious security matters and remains focused on protecting employees and people held at the facility.
“We consider any attempt to flee lawful custody a serious matter,” said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “Our priority is maintaining a safe, secure, and well-managed detention facility, and we remain committed to ensuring our staff stays vigilant and continues to follow established security procedures. We addressed the incident, and any additional reviews or actions will be handled in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.”
The incident is now being investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attempted fire, the confrontation with detention staff and the unsuccessful escape attempt.
Authorities indicated that additional criminal charges could be filed against both inmates as the investigation progresses.
For now, both detainees remain under lockdown restrictions, and officials have said they will continue reviewing security practices and following established procedures to maintain order inside the facility.
