Holman Prison on Lockdown;Cellphones and Knives Found

Officials with the Alabama Department of Corrections report that the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore is still locked-down after prisoners assaulted and stabbed a correctional officer and the prison warden during a disturbance that began at 9:15 p.m. on March 11 and ended the following morning.

Three Correctional Emergency Response Teams and corrections officers were able to bring the situation under control after an estimated 100 inmates started a fire inside the facility and tried to gain control of one of the prison’s dormitories.  After the disturbance ended, the CERT Teams searched the prison’s housing units and found 30 cellphones, makeshift knives and other contraband.

It is not known at this time what prompted the disturbance.  An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause.

The corrections officer who was stabbed is recovering from his injuries.   Warden Carter Davenport, who was also stabbed, reported to the prison on Sunday.

The inmates who were involved in the stabbings, and other inmates who took part in the disturbance, are being detained away from the prison’s general population.

Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn said the quick response to the disturbance by the warden, corrections officers and the department’s operations team helped prevent a volatile situation from escalating to something more serious.

“I want to credit Warden Davenport, members of his staff, and the corrections officers who were able to bring the situation under control without very serious consequences,” said Dunn.  “I also want to thank other law enforcement agencies that responded to the incident and assisted the department at a critical time.”

Corrections officials say that there is limited movement inside the prison and inmates are being cooperative and orderly.

Corrections officials have temporally cancelled visitation and the prison will remain on lockdown for the next few days until an investigation into the incident is complete.