Police officers arriving at a Colorado Springs psychiatric facility Saturday night in response to a report of juvenile runaways were asked by staff to help them gain control of the facility from “rioting” patients who were “overtaking” them.
Officers were initially dispatched to Cedar Springs Hospital after receiving a report that juveniles had run away from the facility, according to the Colorado Springs Police blotter.
When officers arrived, they were advised that multiple patients were “rioting, overriding the facility, destroying property, and overtaking the staff.”
Several staff members suffered injuries that police described as “minor.”
Five juvenile “instigators” were arrested on charges that include 2nd degree assault, 3rd degree assault and harassment.
Information on what sparked the incident is not available.
What drugs the juveniles may have been prescribed is also not known. Commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs carry well-known risks of side effects that include hostility, psychosis, aggression and violence.
If you or someone you know has had experience with this or any other psychiatric facility, we want to talk with you. You can contact us by clicking here or by calling 303-789-5225. All information will be kept in the strictest confidence.
