DATE: JULY 21, 2022

AGENCY: SEDGWICK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

LOCATION: WICHITA/SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS

TELEPHONE : (316) 660-3900

CONTACT : SHERIFF JEFF EASTER

On July 20, 2022, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office conducted a mass search of the entire 1,226 bed Adult Detention Facility after receiving creditable information about contraband being introduced to the Detention Facility. The search team comprised of 169 members of the Sheriff’s Office and took over six hours to complete lasting late into the evening. The search was conducted for the safety and security of the employees working in the Detention Facility and for the inmates housed in the facility.

 

Throughout the search of the Detention Facility two dangerous weapons were located and several pieces of metal were found which could be turned into dangerous weapons. These dangerous weapons are commonly referred to as “shanks”. The weapons are typically fashioned by inmates out of common materials, such as a door strike plate or an outlet cover. Additionally during the facility search our teams discovered a handcuff key, possible K2, and a lighter located in the Detention Facility.

 

While the search was still in process, a medical emergency occurred in one of the housing units where an inmate was found unresponsive in the housing unit gymnasium. It was quickly determined the inmate was overdosing from an unknown drug. Medical staff responded quickly and was able to revive the inmate after administering four doses of Narcan. As a precaution the inmate was transported to a local area hospital for treatment, but has since been returned to the Detention Facility. While the inmate was being treated in the housing unit he was found in possession of six pills believed to be fentanyl.

 

M-O-R-E

 

We will pursue charges on inmates found in possession of weapons and drugs. The investigation will continue on how these weapons were produced and what materials were used. The safety and security of our employees and the inmates housed in our facility is paramount.

Attached are photos of some of the items discovered during the search.

 

 

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