Published:Monday, December 22, 2008 11:27 AM PST
Serving the South Coast of Oregon

Eight teenage girls attempt escape from Ore. lockup
Monday, December 22, 2008 11:27 AM PST

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Eight teenage girls staged a fake fight and then assaulted three men in a bold escape attempt early Sunday at the Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility in Albany.

Perrin Damon, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Youth Authority, said the members of an overnight security watch were treated and released from Samaritan Albany General Hospital. One victim, who had a head injury, needed “32 staples to stitch him up,” Damon said.

The incident began when the girls, who live in dormitories, staged a fight to draw the attention of security. The girls, who are between 13 and 17, ambushed those who responded, clubbing them with homemade weapons, Damon said.

The escape ended at the central recreation yard, where the girls were thwarted by high fences. After initially refusing to return to their cells, the girls relented when more police arrived, Damon said.

Damon said 19 girls were living in the dormitory at the time of the incident. She said eight participated in the attempt and another was aware of the plot. Damon declined the release their names, citing their ages.

Oregon State Police detectives were investigating the incident Sunday afternoon.


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