Detention Officer assaulted in Henry County

James Agnew

On Sunday, March 26, 2017 a Detention Officer was assaulted at the Henry County Detention Center while attempting to lock down an inmate. While giving voice commands to the inmate to gain compliance, the inmate jumped up from his seat and began to assault the Detention Officer.

Another Detention Officer entered the cell block and was able to assist in getting the inmate under control. An incident report has been created and will be forwarded to the Henry County Prosecuting Attorney for consideration of charges. 

Assaulting a Detention Officer carries the same penalties as assaulting a law enforcement officer under Missouri law. 

The inmate, James Agnew, age 32 of Clinton has been incarcerated since December 2016 on a charge of assault on a law enforcement officer. That case is still pending before the courts.

The Detention Officer was taken to the emergency room for evaluation as is standard procedure under these circumstances.

"Detention Officers face many dangers each and every day that they work from inmates that become violent while incarcerated. We are thankful that this situation was resolved quickly and no staff were injured", Sheriff Oberkrom said.