July 8th, 2025 – 4:50 PM
WRGA Staff Reports –
Two corrections officers at the Polk County Jail were injured Saturday after being assaulted by an inmate, according to a statement from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Johnny Moats reported that the incident occurred on July 5th at approximately 12:40 p.m. in the booking area of the jail, as staff were collecting lunch trays from observation cells.
During the process, inmate Dewayne Young became increasingly agitated after his tray was retrieved, flooding his cell and issuing repeated verbal threats toward staff.
Despite multiple verbal commands, Young refused to comply. To de-escalate the situation, jail personnel deployed two bursts from a PepperBall launcher.
The inmate responded by shielding his face with a shirt and continuing to flood the cell while making threats.
As the situation escalated, a cell entry was initiated using the G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) device.
A team of officers entered the cell, where Young had positioned himself between the toilet and the bunk, using a mattress as a barricade.
Upon approach, Young produced a homemade edged weapon and began attacking the officers. The team immediately withdrew, and the cell was secured.
Two officers sustained multiple stab wounds to their heads and arms.
Both received on-site medical attention before being transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released later that day.
Following the incident, patrol deputies responded to the facility and conducted a tactical extraction of the inmate without further resistance.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident.