![The Okaloosa Youth Development Center has been the site of multiple alleged violent incidents this year. [MARK JUDSON/NEWS BULLETIN]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4d4b77d6-3b60-2e35-e053-0100007fe439-58e51918.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — A video briefly appeared on YouTube depicting a fight at the Okaloosa Youth Development Center.
The video, which has been removed from the website after accumulating over 100 views, showed three young males physically attacking a fourth man. The victim was struck with a rod-like object at one point during the altercation.
The juvenile detention facility is for low, moderate and high-risk youths aged 13-18, according to the center’s web page.
The News Bulletin attempted to call OYDC Program Director Amy Ellis but she was unavailable, according to a staffer. In an emailed statement, Department of Juvenile Justice Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director Heather DiGiacomo said:
“The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) does not tolerate incidents that threaten the wellbeing of the youth in our care. These incidents are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and if failures on the part of contracted provider staff are identified, we expect that they be held fully accountable for their actions.
DJJ is aware of the incident and is currently investigating. The Okaloosa Youth Development Center is currently on an admissions freeze to ensure youth safety and security.”
How the young men accessed the blunt object is unknown. The News Bulletin's question concerning cell phone possession and use at the facility was unanswered.
The DJJ oversees the OYDC, which is operated by Gulf Coast Youth Services, a private company.
Multiple violent incidents purportedly have occurred in the last few months at GCYS facilities.
Most recently, the News Bulletin reported on the physical abuse against Dalvon Soares, a 17-year-old at the OYDC. He was allegedly assaulted on three occasions at the complex during April, including one instance with a shower pole.
The Northwest Florida Daily News reported on a Feb. 25 riot that occurred at Okaloosa Youth Academy, adjacent to the OYDC. More than 50 juveniles took part in the hours-long incident that resulted in the transfer of seven youths.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Video shows violent attack at youth detention center