Two corrections officers at the Polk County Jail sustained stab wounds to their heads and arms Saturday after being assaulted by an inmate wielding a homemade weapon, according to a press release issued by Polk County Sheriff Johnny Moats. Both officers were treated at a local hospital and released the same day.
The violent encounter occurred around 12:40 PM on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, as jail staff were collecting lunch trays from observation cells in the booking area. Inmate Dewayne Young reportedly became increasingly agitated after his tray was collected, beginning to flood his cell and make repeated verbal threats toward staff.
Despite multiple verbal commands for compliance, Inmate Young refused to cooperate. Jail staff then deployed two bursts from a PepperBall launcher in an effort to gain his compliance. However, Inmate Young responded by covering his face with his shirt and continued to flood his cell and issue threats.
Due to the ongoing escalation, the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) device was activated, and a cell entry team was formed. Corporal Smith, Officer Penny, and Officer Dyer entered Young’s cell. Inmate Young had positioned himself between the toilet and the bunk, using his mattress as a shield.
Upon approach, Inmate Young produced a homemade edged weapon and immediately began stabbing at the officers. Corporal Smith, upon identifying the weapon, gave the immediate order to exit the cell. All officers successfully exited, and the cell door was secured to contain the inmate.
As a result of the assault, Officer Penny and Officer Dyer suffered multiple stab wounds to their heads and arms. Medical assistance was rendered on-site, and both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment. They were treated and released later the same day.
Following the incident, patrol deputies responded to the facility and executed a tactical extraction of Inmate Young from the cell without further incident.
Sheriff Johnny Moats confirmed the details of the incident through the press release. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is located at 1676 Rockmart Highway, Cedartown, Georgia.
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