A riot broke out in a jail pod at the Johnson County, Missouri jail on Thursday night, according to the sheriff’s office.
According Col. Hugh Mills with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, 42 inmates in a cell block refused to comply with staff.
Officials say the riot started because the inmates were upset with what channel jail staff had the TV set to.
They tried to force open a door in attempt to escape the dormitory, according to a press release from Sheriff Scott Munsterman. There were also reports of a fire in the cell block.
The inmates covered up security cameras so they could not be monitored.
Increasing violent behavior and the near riot conditions led to calling in additional agencies as well as the Missouri State Highway Patrol's SWAT, Lafayette County SWAT and Jackson County SWAT units. Over 179 police officers responded to the incident.
The SWAT team entered the jail and all prisoners dropped to the ground and immediately surrendered. Full control was re-established just before midnight, according to Musterman.
No injuries to staff members were reported.
Musterman said there is some damage to the jail, but the dollar amount is currently unknown.
All 42 inmates were brought back to the Jackson County Jail. They were originally in Centerview because of renovations at Jackson County.
Jackson County has ordered the removal of all Jackson County inmates from the Johnson County jail and responded to the incident in a press release.
"While we are thankful that no one was injured, we are deeply concerned that this incident occurred at all," said County Executive Frank White, Jr. "We will not return our inmates to the Johnson County jail until we are certain all operational issues have been adequately addressed."
This is a developing story. Stay with 41 Action News for updates.
