Mecklenburg County Jail officers injured during struggle with inmate

CHARLOTTE — Three detention officers and a sergeant were injured on Tuesday after an inmate lunged at them with a weapon, officials said.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said Dequan Timmons, an inmate at the jail, refused to follow a pod officer’s order when told to lock down.

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The pod officer called for a sergeant and two other detention officers to assist with Timmons. A short time later, Timmons removed his hands from his pocket and lunged at officers with a sharp object, according to the sheriff’s office.

After a struggle, officers were able to stop Timmons and handcuff him and remove him from the pod.

The staff members involved in the incident received medical treatment. One officer suffered a cut to the head and was not cleared for work Tuesday. Another officer suffered a wrist injury while trying to remove the object from Timmons’ hand. All the other officers were cleared to return to full duty.

“Unfortunately, this is part of the struggle we have faced in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sheriff Garry McFadden. “Tensions are high and staff shortages are taking a toll. Detention Center staff are stepping up in every way they can to ensure the safety of fellow employees and residents.”

The sheriff’s office said charges have been initiated for Timmons.