ARIZONA NEWS
Inmate in custody after holding librarian hostage at Arizona prison
PHOENIX — An inmate was in custody after holding a librarian hostage at an Arizona prison Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Nobody was injured during the incident at Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye, the Arizona Department of Corrections said in a press release.
The release said Timothy Monk, who is serving a 97-year sentence, took the male employee hostage at around 8:15 a.m.
Monk had a bladed weapon and said he wanted to be let out of prison.
The Arizona Department of Corrections is pleased to report that a hostage situation at ASPC-Lewis this morning involving an inmate and male employee has been safely resolved with no injuries. The inmate is in custody. More details and official statement to follow.
— Arizona Corrections (@AZCorrections) December 26, 2018
Members of the department’s Tactical Support Unit contained the incident to one room in the law library of the prison’s Rast Unit.
The situation was resolved shortly after 10:30 a.m.
The release said responders used a diversionary device and less-than-lethal force without providing further details.
Monk’s record includes armed robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping and promoting prison contraband, and he will face new charges as a result of Wednesday’s actions, the release said.
The Lewis prison is located off State Route 85, about 15 miles south of Interstate 10.
Editor’s note: The department released surveillance video of the hostage situation on Jan. 31, 2019. Viewer discretion is advised.
