A disturbance at the Mary Davis Home Juvenile Detention Center in Knox County escalated into a riot on June 4, 2025, resulting in injuries to four staff members and five youth detainees. The incident erupted around 7:35 PM when a group of juveniles became combative, prompting an immediate response from facility staff and local law enforcement. The four staff members sustained non-life-threatening injuries attempting to regain control of the facility. Five juvenile detainees were injured during the altercation. Medical personnel treated those injured, with some transported to OSF St. Mary’s Hospital. Authorities quickly secured the facility, and there is no threat to the community. An internal investigation is underway, with the possibility of additional charges for those involved in the violence.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office thanked Galesburg PD, Galesburg Fire Department, Knoxville PD, GHAS, and AOW for “responding swiftly and professionally to a dangerous and unpredictable situation.”
“We are committed to maintaining a safe environment and will take all necessary actions to prevent further incidents.”