PRESS RELEASE: Prison riot at Spring Creek

SEWARD — The Department of Corrections’ Professional Conduct Unit and Alaska State Troopers are investigating a riot that occurred at DOC’s maximum-security prison in Seward on Wednesday. The cause of the riot has not yet been determined, although DOC’s initial investigation indicates the event was gang-related.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. Spring Creek Correctional Center correctional officers witnessed inmates in the yard becoming combative toward each other. Officers began immediate protocol to gain control of the situation by ordering inmates to lay on the ground and administering oleoresin capsicum, commonly known as OC spray. The riot, involving 43 inmates, was under control in about two-and-half minutes.

One trooper was called to the facility for assistance. Five inmates were transported to a local hospital to be treated for non life-threatening injuries. All five returned to Spring Creek after receiving treatment.

No Spring Creek staff members were injured in the incident.

“We commend our staff at Spring Creek for their quick and brave response to the situation. We thank them for their dedicated service to Alaskans,” the DOC said in a statement.

The facility remains in lockdown to ensure the safety of the Seward community, Spring Creek staff, and of the inmates. The investigation is ongoing. The Department of Corrections said it will not be releasing the names of the individuals involved at this time.