HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A Henry County Jail officer is recovering after he was stabbed by two inmates with shanks during the evening lockdown process, the sheriff's office said.
A release from the Henry County Sheriff's Office said the jail officer "demonstrated remarkable courage and resourcefulness" in defending himself after he was "confronted by two inmates who had fashioned shanks and unexpectedly assaulted him."
The sheriff's office said the jail officer "managed to force one inmate into a cell and contained the other as assisting officers arrived."
According to the release, the jail officer sustained minor injuries and was treated and later release from a hospital. The sheriff's office said he is in good condition.
“We will not tolerate this type of behavior, particularly a cowardly act of violence against staff. I will ensure that these inmates are charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett said in a statement.
After the stabbing incident, the sheriff said a security sweep was conducted at jail housing units and other key areas of the jail.
The jail officer who was stabbed was not identified.
The two inmates were identified as Dontavious Young and William Latham. They face charges including aggravated assault of a correctional officer, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery and unauthorized possession of a weapon by an inmate.
Latham was arrested last year and charged in the kidnapping and beating of a 16-year-old Hampton High School student.
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