A violent riot broke out on July 28 at the local academy that serves troubled boys and boys with mental health needs.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, dozens of juveniles were involved in the fight at Brooksville Youth Academy, 201 Culbreath Rd, which serves approximately 50 boys ages 13-17.
Improvised weapons were found among the boys involved.
The fight occurred in one or more of the dormitories and spilled out into the courtyard. Staff members were unable to break up the fights, but they did manage to confiscate some of the weapons.
Two of the juveniles, Owin Cramer and Eric Mireles, were charged with attempted murder and transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for their actions during the riot. Mireles was also charged with Riot and Inciting Riot
Thirteen other boys were charged with Riot and released back to the Brooksville Youth Academy. Andres Yellowhorse was charged with Battery on Facility Staff (2 counts), Battery on LEO and he was also released back to the facility.
On July 29, during First Appearance, Judge Merritt remanded all juveniles into custody and they sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Ocala.
Investigations are ongoing.
The following injuries occurred:
– Juvenile – Bruised eye, laceration to hand
– Juvenile – Concussion, fractured nose (punched and stomped by other juveniles)
– Juvenile – Bruised eye and lower lip
– Juvenile – Lacerations to both hands (punched a window)
– Adult Staff Member – Injured ankle (was trampled and pinned in a doorway).
After treatment, all victims were released from the hospital.
