8 inmates charged with arson after Cook County Jail fire

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Friday, May 5, 2017
4 officers hospitalized after Cook County Jail fire
Four officers were hospitalized after Cook County Jail detainees set their jumpsuits on fire on April 15, 2017.
Cook County Sheriff's Office-WLS

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Eight maximum security detainees at Cook County Jail face arson charges in connection with a uniform-burning incident.

The sheriff's office said last month that the group set fire to special uniforms worn by inmates accused of sexual misconduct.

The detainees are said to have lit a wick in a microwave to burn the uniforms.

Smoke quickly filled the housing unit prompting an evacuation.

Four correction officers were hospitalized Saturday night after the incident. All injuries were non-life-threatening and the officers were released.

Videos of the incident were released.

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