Perimeter secure at Lieber prison; Facility still locked down

RIDGEVILLE, SC (WCSC) - Nearly 200 law enforcement officers who were guarding the perimeter of Lieber Correctional Institute in Ridgeville for the last 10 hours have left their post. Officials say the perimeter is now secure, but the prison remains on lockdown Thursday after inmates started a riot inside the facility.

According to a Department of Corrections spokesman, two correctional officers were overpowered by some inmates who were able to take away the officer's keys and radios. The spokesman said it is believed that one officer was let go by the inmates.

One officer were taken to the hospital for stitches Wednesday night and the second was treated at the scene. None of the injuries are life threatening.

Authorities say the inmates were loose in the Ashley A Dorm of Lieber, which houses more than 200 inmates.

The inmates were gassed for about an hour before riot police entered the building. At one point there about 200 outside law enforcement officers at the prison.

Authorities say the general public is safe and was never at risk.

Officials have not released any information about how the situation was resolved.