Workers to fix flaw that allowed Indiana inmates to crawl through ceiling, visit other cells

Associated Press

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 6:26 PM

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Workers are altering part of the Vigo County jail to fix a design flaw that allowed inmates to crawl through the ceiling to visit other cells. Eight pods in the 7-year-old addition to the original jail are getting sturdier ceiling panels to prevent excursions by inmates under a settlement with the original architect.

Sheriff Jon Marvel said the $500,000 ceiling upgrade should be complete by early December.

He said the design flaw allowed inmates in a top bunk to kick and bend perforated metal ceiling panels, stripping out screws so they could lift the panel.

Once a panel was lifted far enough, inmates could slip through the gap and roam around in the space above the cells to visit other inmates.

___

Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com

Recent Nation stories

Attorney for Fort Hood shooting suspect says client may use insanity defense - November 5, 2009

Attorney for Fort Hood shooting suspect says client may use insanity defense - An Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people during an attack on his Texas post will likely plead not guilty to the charges against him and may use an insanity defense at his military trial, his attorney said Monday. More