Jacksonville, FL — We are getting a better idea how three teenagers were able to escape from the Jacksonville Youth Academy late Sunday night.
Three security guards at the facility, which is operated by G4S Youth Services, were overpowered by 15 year-old Justin Silva, 16-year-old Luther Davis, and 16-year-old Derek Browley.
According to an incident report, Luther Davis asked if he could leave his room and use the restroom. While he was in the restroom, Silva hailed a security guard to his bunk room.
As the guard opened the door, Browley punched the guard on the mouth. Silva and Browley, who share a room, fled on food.
Three security guards attempted to detain the suspects but were unsuccessful. Their portable radios fell on the ground during the incident. The teens threw the radios at the guards, striking one in the face.
The teens used the keys taken from one of the guards to open the east exit door. They ran outside and climbed a high exterior fence to escape the facility.
Each of the three security guards sustained injuries during the escape.
According to court records, Silva had previous charges including Grand Theft and non-law violation of probation. Davis had previous charges of Burglary and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Browley had previous charges including Grand Theft of Motor Vehicle, Battery, and Robbery/Carjacking without a firearm or weapon.
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice sent us this statement about the escape:
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) takes incidents that occur at our programs very seriously to ensure the safety of both youth and staff. DJJ was notified by the contracted provider for Jacksonville Youth Academy of the escape of three youth and law enforcement was immediately notified. DJJ will continue to work with law enforcement as well as conducting our own investigation of this incident to confirm that all policies and procedures were followed by contracted staff. If a failure to follow those policies and procedures is identified, the contracted provider will be held fully accountable.