Two DJJ youth hospitalized after “group disturbance”

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - An incident Thursday at the Broad River Road Correctional Center (BRRC) left two youth hospitalized.

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) said in a statement that a “group disturbance” at the facility was under control after 15 minutes. DJJ said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) provided support during the investigation.

Two youths were sent to the hospital. One of them was released shortly after admission. The other remained overnight for observation.

DJJ said no staff were hurt during the incident and that the youth injuries were not major.

WIS reached out to South Carolina officials on the incident. Sen. Katrina Shealy said she’d spoken with Eden Hendrick the DJJ Director.

Shealy said one of the youth has head trauma and a concussion with no sign of internal bleeding or fracture. This individual will be released from the hospital today and will be kept in the DJJ infirmary through the weekend.

The second youth required two staples for a head injury and is currently in the infirmary.

Shealy said they were injured with a shower head in a sock and a lock and sock.

Brian Symmes, Deputy Chief of Staff of Communications said,

“Throughout her confirmation hearings, Director Hendrick laid out a clear vision for DJJ that will provide for a safer environment for officers and juveniles. Change takes time, and Governor McMaster is confident that Director Hendrick is the right person to lead the agency through that change. But there’s no amount of reform or change that can mitigate every argument or fight behind the fence at DJJ or elsewhere.

The unfortunate truth is that we’re dealing with a mental health crisis among young people that has resulted in increased violence throughout our country – not just at DJJ. That’s why Governor McMaster is focused on improving and expanding access to mental health services for young South Carolinians before they even come into the agency’s custody.”

WIS asked about a separate incident last weekend at the facility that included youths entering the BRRC cafeteria without permission. Officials said in that incident snacks were taken but no utensils or knives were stolen.

This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.

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