At least 4 inmates at prison found having seizures before being taken to hospital, officials say

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — Officials said multiple inmates at an Arizona prison were taken to a hospital after they were found having seizures Sunday morning.

First responders were dispatched to Perryville Prison in Goodyear around 8:15 a.m. for reports of multiple inmates having seizures, according to the Goodyear Fire Department.

Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) officials said the symptoms were the result of illegal drug use.

The four women were treated for their symptoms at the hospital and have been returned back to prison.

Goodyear Fire Battalion Chief Nick Lyons said a total of six inmates were involved but two of them were not taken to the hospital.

Additional inmates in the unit were evaluated as a precaution, and some were given drug tests.

Officials said one other woman tested positive for illegal substances.

The unit is expected to remain under watch until the investigation is complete.

Officials did not specify what the illegal substance is.

“Unfortunately, much like prisons across the country, ADCRR continues to experience the negative consequences of drug-soaked paper being trafficked into prison units from outside sources via the U.S. mail and visitation, putting the lives of staff and the incarcerated population at risk,” ADCRR media relations wrote in a statement. “The dangerous substances can lead to significant risks when exposure or ingestion occurs.”

Officials said they are working to digitize general inmate mail to help prevent contraband from entering the prisons. The new plan is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

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