Tag Archives: inmates

Escaped McDonald County inmates captured

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NOEL, Mo. – Authorities capture all three inmates who escaped from the McDonald County Jail over the weekend. In a post on Facebook, Sheriff Rob Everson said David Molina, Carmelo Burgos and Shun’tavion Thomas were taken into custody in Noel, Missouri without any injuries.

(Previous story: McDonald County authorities release update on search for escaped inmates)

The three escaped the detention center Saturday July 24, after attacking an on duty detention officer. Officials say all three were being held in the McDonald County Detention Center for violent offenses, and at the time of the search were considered armed and dangerous.

The sheriff’s office says the female Detention Officer who was attacked sustained minor injuries during the escape and is recuperating at this time.

Barton County Jail to close for repairs

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LAMAR, Mo. – The Barton County Jail will temporarily close July 2, 2021 as it repairs a number of issues with the jail building. Most of the detainees will be housed at the Cedar County Jail in Stockton, Missouri. Depending on their population at the time some may need to be housed at another surrounding jail.

Repairs:

  • Replacing small portions of some of the walls that have rusted away
  • Glass that has been broken causing safety concerns allowing detainees to reach out of their cells and allowing them to be able to throw items at staff
  • Malfunctioning doors that do not allow staff to lock down detainees in certain situations
  • Several of the lights have quit working in the cell area; all lights will be fixed or replaced with newer lights
  • Plumbing in the cell areas is also deteriorating, causing water to leak from the cell area to the office area of the building
  • Fixing/replacing security cameras in the cell areas are not working.

Officials will also be addressing problems with staffing. The jail will hire additional staff to maintain constant supervision of detainees. The Sheriff’s Office will also be raising the salary of detention officers to be more competitive in hiring and retaining personnel.

(Previous Story: Barton County Sheriff working to put tax question before voters for new jail)

Weir woman arrested for helping Cherokee County inmates escape

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WEIR, Kan. – Cherokee County, Kansas investigators arrest a woman for helping two inmates escape from the county jail.

(Previous Story: $5,000 reward offered for escaped Cherokee County inmates)

The 26 year old woman from Weir, Kansas was taken into custody after authorities served a search warrant at her home. She’s held on allegations of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Escape (2 counts), Felony Aiding a Fugitive (2 counts), and Obstructing Justice. Police say she helped Mark Hopkins II and Michael Martsolf escape from the Cherokee County Jail Monday night. Formal charges have not yet been filed against the woman.

Police are still searching for Hopkins, who is held on murder charges, and Martsolf, who is held on felony drug charges. A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered for information leading to the capture of either suspects. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 620-429-3992. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting 888777. Just type ‘tip cherokee’ followed by the information you have to provide.

$5,000 reward offered for escaped Cherokee County inmates

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COLUMBUS, Kan. – Cherokee County, Kansas authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of two escapees from the Cherokee County Jail.

(Previous Story: Two inmates escape Cherokee County jail overnight)

30-year-old Mark Hopkins II and 34-year-old Michael Martstolf escaped the Columbus facility at 11:00 p.m. Monday May 24, 2021. Hopkins was held in

connection to a June 2020 double homicide, and Martstolf was held on felony narcotic charges. Police believe they escaped through the jail’s sewer system. Both escapees are considered armed and dangerous.

Law enforcement also recovered the white passenger car they believe the inmates left the jail in.

Anyone with information on the escapees should call the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 429-3992 or submit a tip through text at 888777. Just type “tip cherokee” followed by the information.

Inmates stage uprising at St. Louis jail dogged by unrest

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ST. LOUIS (AP) – Inmates broke windows, set a fire and threw debris to the ground late Sunday at a St. Louis jail that has been plagued by uprisings in recent months.

The riot broke out Sunday night around 9 p.m. at the City Justice Center, news outlets reported. Inmates were seen tossing objects out of broken windows and setting a fire. Firefighters used a hose to douse the flames.

Law enforcement responded to bring the jail under control. Inmates had moved away from the broken windows by about 10:30 p.m., according to news outlets. Then around 11 p.m., inmates broke windows on the other side of the jail and began throwing objects again. Thirty minutes later, the inmates had disappeared again and officers could be seen inside.

It was unclear whether anyone was injured.

Some inmates were heard yelling demands for court dates. Proceedings have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

An uprising at the jail on Feb. 6 involved over 100 inmates and sent one corrections officer to the hospital. Officials said detainees were upset about conditions inside the jail and had concerns about COVID-19.

There have been at least four uprisings at the jail since December.

A task force was appointed to look into issues at the jail. Its chairman, the Rev. Darryl Gray, issued a report last month urging the city to create an independent oversight board to help oversee the lockup.