Early this morning, the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department responded to a tense situation at Riverview Behavioral Hospital following reports of a riot involving juvenile patients. At approximately 9:30 am, authorities received a distress call indicating that several patients had initiated a disturbance and seized control of a section of the facility.
According to the police report, the juveniles had obtained a piece of metal and were attempting to break out interior windows, prompting fears of a potential escape. Upon arrival, officers discovered staff members barricaded inside a nurse’s station, surrounded by the unruly patients.
In a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, and Texarkana Texas Police Department, among others, law enforcement swiftly moved to secure the area and ensure the safety of both staff and patients. Officers equipped with riot gear and non-lethal weapons successfully intervened, separating the parties involved and de-escalating the situation without any serious injuries reported.
Three male juveniles, aged 15, 15, and 17, were apprehended for inciting the riot and will be transported to a Juvenile Detention Facility. The remaining juveniles were returned to the custody of Riverview Behavioral Hospital.
Authorities expressed gratitude for the collaborative response from the involved agencies, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in resolving such incidents safely.
The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disturbance at Riverview Behavioral Hospital.
