By MOLLIE REEVES
The Mississippi Press
Sunday, April 10, 2005
LUCEDALE -- A riot at Eagle Point Christian Academy, formerly known as Bethel Boys Academy, in Lucedale Friday night led to six students being taken into custody and seven other being taken to the hospital.
The George County Sheriff's Department received a call reporting the riot just before 11 p.m. Friday. Two deputies responded to the call and upon arrival at Eagle Point, called for assistance due to the number of cadets involved, George County Sheriff Garry Welford said.
"They were destroying the place," Welford said. The cadets were breaking windows, turning bunks over, breaking chairs, and trashing the facility, he said.
Six cadets were reportedly uncooperative with law enforcement and charged with disorderly conduct. They were taken into custody and transported to Forrest County Juvenile Detention Center.
Welford said seven other cadets were taken to the hospital for treatment. Six were treated and released while one remained hospitalized.
Welford said it was reported to him by Eagle Point personnel that 122 cadets should have been in the barracks. By 3:30 a.m., all 122 were accounted for, Welford said.
Cadets reportedly told Welford that a rumor circulating through Eagle Point that the home was going to be investigated by the state was what led to the riot.
"They wanted to make it look as bad as they could," Welford said. "And they did."
John Fountain, director of Eagle Point, was out of town when the riot occurred, Welford was told. He was expected back in Lucedale sometime Saturday. Eagle Point personnel were notifying the parents of students housed there of the riot, Welford said.
Fountain could not be reached by phone on Saturday. An Eagle Point employee said no statements would be given at this time. No other details of the riot have been released due to the involvement of juveniles.
Sheriff's deputies remained at Eagle Point throughout the day on Saturday. "We're just trying to maintain peace and keep the community safe," Welford said.
Reporter Mollie Reeves can be reached at mreeves@themississippipress.com or (601) 947-9933.
