There are concerns two 12-inch sheet metal strips could be made into weapons that could harm correctional officers or inmates, according to Detective Scott Dover of the Merced County Sheriff's Department.
One of the strips was turned in by a prisoner but two others are missing. The Sheriff's Emergency Response Team was deployed to the dorms in Building 5 of the jail at 4 p.m. but could not locate the thin metal strips.
The administrative lockdown will remain in effect until the strips are turned in. If inmates do not cooperate in producing the strips, another search of the entire facility is possible, Dover said.
It is unknown if the theft of metal strips is gang-related. They could be fashioned into lethal cutting or stabbing instruments, correctional officers feared.
This latest incident follows the arrest of two inmates Monday at the Sandy Mush jail in connection with an assault on an inmate and Correctional Officer Sam Spangler, who was injured trying to break up a scuffle.
A cellblock occupied by Norteño criminal street gang members was placed on administrative lockdown until next Monday.
