At approximately 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, an inmate attempted to escape from the Nebraska State Penitentiary. The inmate, whose name will not be released, reached an internal fence and began to climb and the tower officer fired a warning shot. Staff immediately reported to the fence and deployed chemical agents. The inmate continued to climb and staff physically removed him from the fence.
“Penitentiary staff members did an excellent job responding to the attempt,” said Director Scott R. Frakes. “The inmate did not breach the inner perimeter and at no time was the public at risk.”
NDCS criminal investigators will conduct the investigation and forward the results to the county attorney.
The penitentiary is surrounded by an internal chain link fence topped with razor wire. It is secured by a second, identical fence. The perimeter is further protected by armed tower officers.
