UPDATE | Private prison in Youngstown remains on lockdown

YOUNGSTOWN — There were about 140 inmates who refused to leave the recreation yard Tuesday at the Northeast Ohio Correction Center, but the prison is stating the situation ended peacefully.

The aunt of one of the inmates is still seeking information, however, on what caused the disturbance.

Warden Mike Pugh spoke to the Youngstown Police Department around 5:15 p.m. and informed them that while the inmates were refusing to leave the yard the situation was peaceful and the prison did not need any assistance, according to a YPD report.

A statement was released today by Corrections Corporation of America, based in Nashville, Tenn., Association, which owns NEOCC, it stated:

“Overnight, staff at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center secured a peaceful resolution to an incident in which a group of inmates on the smaller recreation yard refused orders to return to their cells. All inmates have now peacefully exited the recreation yard and are secured in their cells. At no time did any incidents of violence occur, and the community was not in danger. All staff and inmates are accounted for. The facility is secured and remains in lockdown as a precautionary measure while an investigation is conducted. Facility management notified its partner, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and kept officials apprised through the duration of the incident.”

The private prison is located on Hubbard Road on the East Side.