Officer at Snake River Correctional Institution fires warning shots for 67 “aggressive” inmates
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, May 30th, 2024 in Featured Stories More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
ONTARIO — (Release from the Oregon Dept. of Corrections) On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at approximately 1:38 pm a one-on-one altercation occurred between two Adults In Custody at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI). The incident location was in the Complex 2 recreation yard, during recreation time.
There were approximately 237 adults in custody in the recreation yard. After the two adults in custody were escorted out of that area, a disturbance began involving approximately 67 other adults in custody.
Verbal commands directing adults in custody to stop the aggressive behavior were given and a single warning shot from the observation tower was fired into the warning shot pit. Some of the adults in custody failed to stop their aggressive behavior prompting a second warning shot. At that time all the adults in custody stopped the aggressive behavior.
The Oregon State Police have been notified, and an internal investigation is occurring. Complex 2 is on lock down status as the investigation is being conducted. The adults in custody who were involved in the incident are housed on Administrative Hold status pending the investigation outcome. Visiting for adults in custody who live in Complex 2 was canceled for Sunday, May 26, 2024.
Medical evaluation occurred onsite for adults in custody as needed. There were no major injuries reported by staff or adults in custody, and no emergency medical transports were required.
SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.
