Flooded Phoenix Jail Forces Relocation of Inmates

Maricopa County Sheriff’s officials say a probationary detention officer caused the leak of a high pressure fire sprinkler water main at the downtown Phoenix jail.

The broken pipe flooded the downtown Fourth Avenue Jail on Friday.

It forced the relocation of 50 inmates until floors, walls and equipment dried by Monday.

Sheriff’s officials say an exposed pipe on the third floor of the jail broke and leaked down two floors to the central intake area.

Fifty inmates who were part of a housekeeping detail were relocated to Tent City until their unit could be cleaned.

Authorities say some of the jail’s electrical equipment was down until Monday.

The probationary detention officer has been working with the jail for less than a year and now is on administrative leave with pay.