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The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on July 7, 2025.
POLK COUNTY, Ga. – On Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at approximately 12:40 PM, jail staff were in the process of retrieving lunch trays from the observation cells in the booking area. After his tray was collected, Inmate Dewayne Young became increasingly agitated and began to flood his cell. While doing so, he made repeated verbal threats toward staff.
Despite multiple verbal commands for compliance, Inmate Young refused to cooperate. Jail staff then deployed two (2) bursts from the PepperBall launcher in an effort to gain compliance. Inmate Young responded by covering his face with his shirt and continuing 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 the cell. Inmate Young had positioned himself between the toilet and the bunk, using his mattress as a shield to prevent being tased.
Upon approach, Inmate Young produced a homemade edged weapon and began stabbing at the officers. Corporal Smith, upon identifying the weapon, gave the immediate order to exit the cell. All officers exited and the cell door was secured to contain the inmate.
As a result of the assault, Officer Penny and Officer Dyer sustained multiple stab wounds to their heads and arms. Medical assistance was rendered, and both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment. They were treated and released the same day.
Patrol deputies responded to the facility and executed a tactical extraction of Inmate Young without further incident.