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Jail inmates cause disturbance by spraying liquid, threatening to hurt self, instigating others

(Photo: Larimer County Sheriff's Office )

WARNING: This story may be disturbing or graphic to some readers.  

FT. COLLINS, Colo. — An inmate caused a disturbance during a routine check of the cells at the Larimer County Jail on Sunday.

While the deputy walked past his cell, an inmate Steven McCranie,  attempted to spray an unknown liquid at the deputy, according to Larimer County Officer David Moore.

The Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and successfully removed McCranie from his cell.  Members of SERT wear special protective equipment and have specialized training for combative inmates.

McCranie was searched for weapons and contraband and then moved to a secure area, before being reassigned to a new housing area, David Moore said.

After he was told he was going to be moved, McCranie took out a small piece of metal he had hiding in his mouth and began to cut his arm.

SERT again took action and placed him in a restraint chair for his safety, according to David Moore.

McCranie was treated for superficial cuts on his arm and no deputies were injured.

An investigation determined that the piece of metal McCranie had in his mouth, was a piece from inside a portable music player belonging to McCranie.

Additionally David Moore reported, that while SERT was activated the second time, inmates in the housing unit nearby, started banging on their cells doors and covering windows so deputies couldn’t see them.

Derrick Gaworowski, another inmate, began inciting other inmates to take part in the disturbance.

After Gaworowski refused to follow instructions, he was also removed from his cell by SERT then started fighting deputies, Moore said.

SERT was also forced to use Pepperball and a Taser to gain control of Gaworowski, before moving him to a more secure area of the jail.

Gaworowski was successfully moved to a secure part of the jail and had minor abrasions from the altercation, Moore said, but no deputies were injured.

Another incident at Larimer County Jail where  2 corrections deputies were assaulted by a inmate occurred last month.