Two Polk County Jail Officers Stabbed During Inmate Attack

CEDARTOWN, Ga. — Two Polk County Jail officers were hospitalized Saturday after being stabbed multiple times by an inmate wielding a homemade weapon, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. in the jail’s booking area as staff were collecting lunch trays from observation cells. Authorities say inmate Dewayne Young became agitated, began flooding his cell, and made repeated threats toward staff.

Despite verbal commands, Young refused to stop. Deputies first attempted to subdue him with a PepperBall launcher, but he continued his disruptive behavior, shielding his face with his shirt and maintaining the threats.

As the situation escalated, officers prepared for a tactical cell entry using a G.L.O.V.E. device—a tool designed to deliver a low-voltage electrical shock to encourage compliance. Corporal Smith, Officer Penny, and Officer Dyer entered the cell, where Young had positioned himself between a toilet and bunk bed, using his mattress as a makeshift shield.

According to Sheriff Johnny Moats, as the officers approached, Young suddenly lunged and began stabbing them with a homemade edged weapon. Officer Penny and Officer Dyer sustained multiple stab wounds to their heads and arms before Corporal Smith ordered an emergency retreat and secured the cell.

Both injured officers were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released the same day.

After the attack, deputies executed a tactical extraction of Young without further incident.

Young, who has been in custody since May 17, faces a lengthy list of charges, including three counts of aggravated assault, one count of aggravated battery, three counts of simple battery against a detention officer, one count of willful obstruction, and two pending charges in superior court.