Third Riot In Weeks Breaks Out At Juvenile Facility, Several Arrested
EMLENTON (KDKA) -- For the second time in two days, state police have been called to the Mid-Atlantic Youth Services Center, in Allegheny Township, for what's being called a riot.
The center is described as a privately owned, secure residential treatment program for juveniles.
"Personally, I don't like it for juveniles. I think we have a competent work force in Pennsylvania. Our prison guards are excellent," said State Rep. Dom Costa.
State police said Sunday, ten residents broke out of their secured rooms. Saturday, several staff and residents were hurt during a separate incident, and a large fight was also reported on May 19.
A man with ties to the facility agreed to be interviewed, but did not want his identity revealed.
"There's a lot of gang related things going on in here. There's no supervision here as far as I'm concerned - as in security. There's no armed security for as much as is going on," he said.
State police say nine students were restrained and taken back to their rooms. Three were arrested for risking a catastrophe and another for a weapons charge. The facility had "no comment" when asked for further details.
"Transparency is very important to me and to this governor. I'm sure he's going to be on top of this too," Rep. Costa said.
A sign outside the facility advertises job openings, but people close to the operation say filling the vacancies could be tough.
"People are getting hauled out of here in an ambulance left and right. There's just not enough staffing here. They got a sign out there that they're hiring, but who would want to work here after everything that's gone on?"
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