New assaults target staff at Warren, Adair Co. juvenile detention centers

COLUMBIA/BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Juveniles reportedly carried out three separate attacks between two facilities last week.

The Department of Juvenile Justice says a correctional officer at the Warren Juvenile Detention Center is being treated for injuries after a male inmate hit the officer multiple times in the face Thursday.

During the incident, officials say the staff member used pepper spray before returning the juvenile to his living unit.

Also on Thursday, two males in the Adair County Juvenile Detention Center physically attacked staff and Kentucky State Police, according to the DOJJ. On Saturday, officials say another juvenile male at the same facility attacked a correctional officer.

The correctional officer also used pepper spray, which officials say allowed them to regain control and prevent injuries.

All four juvenile inmates are being charged with third-degree assault.

The DOJJ says these events did not worsen due to having KSP on site, as well as having better-equipped staff. Additional enhancements are pending legislative action.