Media Statement: STATEMENT: Incident at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center

In the evening hours on Sunday, June 8, staff at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center (TTCC), in Hartsville, TN, responded to a large group of inmates from several housing units who exited their cells and gained access to an inner yard, becoming disruptive and confrontational.

This group created safety hazards by attempting to destroy facility property, compromising security cameras, setting a few small fires and refusing to comply with multiple verbal directives provided by facility staff.

During the incident, one correctional officer was assaulted, receiving minor injuries. This officer was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and has already been released.

While TTCC staff worked to respond to this situation, our government partners at the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) and local law enforcement officials were notified. The local law enforcement officers provided support by having a presence outside the facility's perimeter.

TTCC facility staff focused on returning the inmates in the yard back to their assigned housing units and dispersed chemical agents to gain compliance. The inmates were secured at approximately 1:00am CDT. At no time was the perimeter of the facility accessed or breached by inmates, as they remained in the inner yard adjacent to their housing units.

Medical staff have examined all individuals involved. Three inmates are being treated for minor injuries.    

TTCC leadership worked closely with TDOC throughout the incident. Chemical agents were deployed in accordance with department protocol.

We are grateful to the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their rapid response and support, enabling TTCC staff to focus on resolving the incident inside the facility.

The facility is on lockdown until further notice while we investigate this incident in conjunction with our TDOC partners.