Police: Inmate Accused of Tying Up Cellmate, Setting Fire to Cell at SCI Forest

Aly Delp

Aly Delp

Published November 27, 2019 2:10 pm
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JENKS TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Police say an inmate at the SCI Forest facility started a fire in the facility last week.

According to Marienville-based State Police, the shift commander at the SCI Forest facility requested assistance from a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal after a fire occurred in a restricted cell housing unit around 7:22 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19.

Police say it was determined that a known inmate tied his cellmate’s hands and feet and was then able to intentionally ignite a small fire within the cell. The inmate allegedly used staples to cause arcing in an electrical outlet to ignite paper and subsequently cloth.

According to police, the fire was quickly extinguished, but a large amount of smoke was created. Both inmates and several corrections officers were treated for smoke inhalation and then released.

Police say the victim, a known 24-year-old inmate, did not sustain significant injury.

Damage from the incident is estimated at $1,000.00.

Charges are pending.

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