Preliminary information – On July 21, 2020, around 10:15 PM, staff at the Mingus Mountain Academy located in the 15800 block of E Don Carlos Dr, Prescott Valley, called to report staff members were being attacked by students and law enforcement assistance was needed. By the time deputies and assisting officers from the Prescott Valley Police Department arrived, staff had somewhat quelled the disturbance and detained those students involved. Mingus Mountain Academy is a Joint Commission accredited residential treatment center for emotionally and behaviorally at-risk adolescent girls (statement from their website).
Background – Staff reported to deputies that one of the students was failing to follow directions and a physical confrontation ensued with a staff member. The involved student began punching the staff member and 2 other students joined the attack. A second staff member attempted to assist and restrain the trio of attackers. At this point, the student who initiated the assault grabbed a fire extinguisher and struck the first staff member involved in the face. That staff member suffered a possible broken nose. The second staff member was also injured.
While the assault was in progress, at least 2 students vandalized the dorm room causing damage to a window and framing, glass door, etc.
The students who assaulted staff and damaged the dorm range in age from 13 to 17.
Fire personnel treated staff and students at the scene. One staff member was transported to the hospital for additional treatment.
Deputies booked 5 students into the Yavapai County Juvenile Detention Center on charges including Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage and Rioting.
It should be noted that on July 20, 2020, deputies were called to the Academy regarding a student striking a staff member in the head with a rock. Subsequently, several students instigated a disturbance requiring the involvement of numerous staff members before gaining control of the dorm. The student who assaulted the staff member was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center.