Rioting Passaic County jail prisoners were Zamaire Barden, Sammy Cromartie, Kassiem McKinney, Jeffrey Dixon, Terrel Finley, and Tariq Rocklacy
According to Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik, the April 2020 Passaic County Jail riot began when the two inmates refused to lock their cells, and an additional four inmates also became “non-compliant.” The standoff, which began at approximately 5:00 pm, lasted until 11:00 pm.
Apparently, the inmates set mattresses and bed sheets on fire when they refused to return to their cells. Four other inmates immediately joined the riot. The cell block quickly filled with a thin smoke. Officers at the jail were able to get the fire out shortly thereafter. By 11:00 pm, the jails Emergency Response Team made an “emergent entry using protective gear and using pepper spray, into the smoke filled housing unit and physically remove combative inmates”. The officers reported that there was no serious injuries and only minor damage to the facility.
Official Jail Negotiators were unable to determine what the demands of the inmates were. However, the tensions and fear of the Corona Covid-19 Virus has most inmates on edge. In the end, the following inmates were charged with Rioting, Arson, and Aggravated Assault.
1. Zamaire Barden, 22; was awaiting transfer to State Prison because recently sentenced to 40 years for murder
2. Sammy Cromartie, 22; In jail following a string of four armed robberies in Patterson.
3. Jeffrey Dixon, 52; in jail on Robbery Charges
4. Tariq Rocklacy, 24 year old Newark resident, in jail for Robbery, weapons charges, Aggravated Assault and other charges
5. Terrel Finley, 20; In jail on Robbery, weapons charges, Criminal Restraint, Aggravated Assault and violating the terms of his probation, and other charges
6. Kassiem McKinney, 27; in the jail after being charged with being a felon in Possession of a Firearm, A “Certain Persons” offense, in addition to other charges.
According to Passaic County Jail officials all six inmates were separated and moved to different areas of the jail. Of course, theses allegations are merely charges, and all persons are considered innocent unless found guilty on a Court of law.
