Universal Health Services: Riot at Belmont Pines Psych Facility Results in Arrests

April 6, 2023

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – Six juveniles were taken into custody at Belmont Pines Saturday night after a reported riot at the facility.

According to a police report, the six are each facing charges of aggravated riot.

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Liberty police were first called to the facility just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday for a disturbance involving five to six juveniles in the girls’ unit.

Officers say they responded, ending the ordeal and restoring peace at the facility. Six girls were arrested. Officers say they also recovered several homemade weapons.

“We’ve had problems with these same individuals, a few of these same individuals running away before,” said Chief Toby Meoro. “We’re trying to work with Belmont Pines and trying to establish some kind of protocol. I understand they are not a lockdown facility, but they may want to look into internal security.”

Belmont Pines released the following statement on Tuesday:

“We appreciated the support from our law enforcement partners to assist in a swift resolution. Police removed 6 residents from the facility. No staff or patients were injured during this disruption. The facility sustained minor damage. The facility is open and fully operational.

Due to HIPAA patient privacy laws, I cannot offer further comment on specific residents or their care.

We are reviewing the incident to see if we need to make any changes. Our facility continually reviews incidents and processes to improve as part of our overall performance plan. Our focus is always on patient outcomes, safety and security.”

Source: Nadine Grimley, “6 arrested following riot at behavioral health facility,” WKBN News 27, Feb. 21, 2023, URL: https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/6-arrested-following-riot-at-behavioral-health-facility/