Update: Disturbance At TCIX

One Officer Released from Hospital, Two Others in Stable Condition

ONLY – One of the three officers assaulted during yesterday’s disturbance at Turney Center Industrial Complex has been released from the hospital.  Officer Lester Ball was treated and released overnight.  Officers Jesse Shockley and Paul Nielsen remain hospitalized in stable condition. 

The Department continues to work closely with other law enforcement agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which we have asked to conduct its own independent investigation into the events.  Preliminary information indicates this was an unprovoked assault on our staff by several inmates who may have ties to a security threat group.  The facility remains on lockdown at this time and visitation has been cancelled for today.

The incident involving 16 inmates began in a housing unit at approximately 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon.  During the course of the disturbance, the three officers were stabbed multiple times.  Two of those officers, Ball and Nielsen were removed from the unit immediately.  Officer Jesse Shockley was held hostage for approximately three hours.  TDOC’s Special Operations Unit responded and regained control of the unit without force at approximately 7:00 p.m., allowing Officer Shockley to be removed without further incident.  All three officers were taken by helicopter to a local hospital.  There were no other injuries.  The inmates involved have been moved to Morgan County Correctional Complex, a maximum security facility.

“We continue to ask for prayers for our officers,” says Commissioner Tony Parker.  “I had an opportunity to personally visit two of the officers this morning.  I have asked our Office of Investigation and Compliance and the TBI to leave no stone unturned and to fully investigate this incident and prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law.  As I’ve said before, any threat to our facilities or staff will not be tolerated.” 

The Tennessee Department of Correction wishes to thank our government and law enforcement partners for their assistance, including the TBI, Hickman County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.