Inmate Attacks Officers with Homemade Weapon at Polk County Jail

Two officers sustained multiple stab wounds after an inmate attacked them with a homemade edged weapon at the Polk County Jail on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The incident occurred around 12:40 PM as jail staff were collecting lunch trays.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, inmate Dewayne Young became agitated after his tray was collected and began to flood his cell while making repeated verbal threats toward staff. Despite multiple commands, Young refused to comply. Jail staff deployed two bursts from a PepperBall launcher, but Young continued to resist, covering his face and issuing threats.

Due to the escalating situation, a G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) device was activated, and a cell entry team, consisting of Corporal Smith, Officer Penny, and Officer Dyer, was formed. Young had positioned himself between the toilet and the bunk, using his mattress as a shield.

As officers approached, Young produced a homemade edged weapon and began stabbing at them. Corporal Smith immediately ordered the team to exit the cell upon identifying the weapon, and the cell door was secured to contain Young.

As a result of the assault, Officer Penny and Officer Dyer sustained multiple stab wounds to their heads and arms. They received immediate medical assistance and were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released the same day.

Patrol deputies subsequently responded to the facility and conducted a tactical extraction of Young without further incident.