GBI Investigating In-Custody Death at Polk County Jail

CEDARTOWN, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive Monday evening at the Polk County Jail.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 42-year-old Kirk Douglas Owens of Cedartown was found unresponsive in his jail cell on July 6.

Owens was being held on charges of Public Drunkenness and Violation of Probation.

Jail officers and medical staff immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures while awaiting emergency medical personnel.

Owens was transported by EMS to Atrium Health Polk Medical Center, where he later died.

In accordance with standard procedures for any in-custody death, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation.

Sheriff Johnny Moats and the members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office extended their condolences to Owens’ family.