Jail fight
We just got a press release from the sheriff's office about a fight that occurred last night in the Greensboro jail.
If you click on the jump to read the whole thing, you'll notice something you don't see in most press releases: Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes complaining about county commissioners.
Barnes has been warring with commissioners over the past decade over the crowded conditions in the county jails. As you can see from the release, he really, really, really thinks the county needs a new jail.
SERIOUS FIGHT IN GREENSBORO DETENTION FACILITYOn May 8th at approximately 8pm a serious fight occurred on cellblock B-2 of the Guilford County Greensboro Jail. The altercation involved inmates Antoine Johnson #255756 and Anthony Harris #151379. Initial investigation shows the fight was over an incident that occurred between the two before their arrest and over space issues once they were in the jail. Inmate Johnson sustained injuries to his lip which was bitten and ripped during the fight. Inmate Harris was knocked unconscious. Both inmates were taken to the hospital for treatment. Inmate Harris remains in the hospital where he is in serious condition.
Sheriff BJ Barnes states "This is a serious and continuing problem exacerbated by overcrowded and under staffed conditions in our jails, yet some commissioners seem intent on delaying any meaningful remedies. Yesterday our jails held 848 prisoners, 174 over capacity. Overcrowded jail conditions are an ongoing issue I have brought before the commissioners many times. Some commissioners understand, yet others refuse to address the need for additional jail space and are pushing alternatives to incarceration by providing jail diversion programs. While these programs may be of value in some instances, there is no evidence that says it will ease the overcrowded situation we have by any substantial number. All the jail experts and studies have said the same thing; while jail diversion may be a help, we still need additional jail space. The criminal justice experts in this county including the Chief Superior and District Court Judges, the District Attorney, The Clerk of Superior Court and the Public Defender say the same thing we need additional jail space. Former sheriffs as well as the local police chiefs state we need additional jail space. Yet some commissioners advocate we do nothing. This type of attitude places the citizens of Guilford County in financial jeopardy as well as places their security at risk because some people who should be in jail are not in jail. While I am more than willing to assist with any jail program and my history shows this, something must be done now to address the overcrowded situation that places the public, the inmates and our officers at risk and that something needs to be additional jail cells."
Inmate Anthony Harris, B/M/26 arrested for Assault on A female and Aggravated Assault in jail under a $5,000.00 secured bond.
Inmate Antoine Johnson, B/M/23 arrested for Aggravated Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury by Strangulation and three counts of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in jail under a $55,000.00 secured bond.
Investigation into this matter continues and will result in additional charges.
Any further questions may be directed to Sheriff BJ Barnes or Major Deb Montgomery at 641-3694.