An officer at the Henry County Jail was assaulted by two inmates armed with shanks during a routine lockdown on April 3, as reported by the Henry County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred as the officer was conducting the evening lockdown when inmates Dontavious Young and William Latham allegedly launched their attack. According to the sheriff's office, the guard was able to quickly respond, sequestering one inmate in a cell and managing to contain the other until backup arrived.
The unnamed jailer sustained minor injuries and was hastily transported to a local hospital. Despite the situation, he has been released and is recuperating at home, expected to fully recover. The attackers now face several charges, including aggravated assault of a correctional officer and unauthorized possession of a weapon by an inmate, FOX 5 Atlanta detailed. Further charges could yet to be added as the investigation progresses.
Following the assault, a thorough search was conducted throughout the jail by the Henry County Sheriff's Office personnel. An additional security sweep was also performed today with the assistance of the Clayton County Sheriff's Office. These well-timed sweeps are proactive measures to prevent such weapons from posing a further risk to the safety and security of the institution.
"We will not tolerate this type of behavior, particularly a cowardly act of violence against staff," declared Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett. The sheriff vowed, in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First, to ensure "that these inmates are charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." This firm stance underscores the sheriff's commitment to maintaining order within the jail and ensuring the safety of its officers.
