Indiana State Prison inmate intentionally starts blaze, according to officials

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Fire alarms alerted staff to a fire inside a cell house, according to Indiana State Prison officials.

On Nov. 14 at approximately 8:27 p.m., a fire was discovered burning inside of offender Ryan Nieves cell.

Officials say Nieves intentionally started the blaze as evidenced by video cameras located in the Cell House.

Indiana Department of Correction, Division of Investigations and Indiana State Police have begun an investigation into the allegations.

Nieves was housed in the General Population.

Authorities do not expect foul play.

Nieves required immediate medical attention following the incident.

Warden Ron Neal stated, "Staff responded quickly, by using a fire extinquisher which is available on all ranges and immediately responded to the cell, put out the fire and got Offender Nieves immediate medical attention." He adds, "The quick response of the staff on the unit certainly saved the life of Offender Nieves."

34-year-old Nieves of Princeton, Indiana is serving 180 years for nine charges of child molestation in Gibson County.

His earliest release could be set for July, 22, 2070.

Indiana State Prison, built in 1860, is the oldest correctional facility in the Indiana Department of Correction.


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