CHICAGO — Eight inmates at Cook County Jail have been charged with aggravated arson after they allegedly burned their uniforms, officials said.
On April 15, the inmates destroyed their uniforms by lighting a wick in a microwave and using it to set the uniforms on fire, according to a Cook County Sheriff's Office news release. The men were in an area designated for inmates who have engaged in "sexual misconduct," the office said.
The smoke from the fire filled the housing unit and it had to be evacuated. A video released by the office show several men lighting at least one dark green uniform on fire before adding more uniforms to the fire.
A video also shows dark smoke filling the room while some men leave or crouch down. At least one man, who was lying near the flames, is dragged away by another inmate. Another video shows inmates being evacuated.
Two deputies were taken to hospitals for smoke exposure, the office said, and two others were taken to hospitals for injuries related to securing the housing unit.
Eight people were charged with aggravated arson:
• Ramon Pendelton, 20. He was also charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer.
• Andrew Boone, 25
• Eric Brown, 24
• Jalen Hibbler, 18
• Kiarunn Bailey, 19
• Marques Ross, 21
• Sam Robinson, 22
• Davead McIntyre, 24
All eight were scheduled to appear for bond hearings Saturday.
