WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. (WFXG) - The Washington County Sheriff's Office confirms one inmate is dead after an incident involving guards at the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Washington County deputies and Sandersville Police responded to Washington County Regional Medical Center in reference to shooting that happened just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 23.

The investigation revealed the corrections officers were guarding 31-year-old Jacob Henson, a state prison inmate that was being treated for injuries from a stabbing incident sustained during a fight early in the day at Washington State Prison.

While being treated, law enforcement confirms the inmate failed to comply with guards and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, the inmate took over a guard and got access to a weapon.

The inmate encountered a second guard. At that point, deadly force was used to stop the inmate, according to Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.

“The inmate was not cooperating with directives being given by officers for the technicians to properly conduct the examinations that were needed," Sheriff Cochran says. "The inmate struggled with the officers, a struggle ensued, the inmate obtained the weapon from the officer, in what we believe was an attempt to escape.”

Sheriff Cochran confirms the inmate died from his injuries.

One officer was injured in the incident.

Deputies and officers secured the scene. Georgia Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.

"Our prayers are with all that was involved in this tragic incident," Sheriff Cochran said. "Anytime any one loses their life, it's very tragic. Things like this could escalate and turn into a much bigger situation had not the officers taken the appropriate action to prevent it."

Sheriff Cochran says it isn't easy to make a quick decision like this and it isn't a situation his office is asked to intervene in often. Fox54 asked him if anything could've been done to prevent it. He says it's too early to tell.

"That's a question that's kind of hard to answer because this is still an ongoing investigation and a lot of details have not been really made clear as to what transpired leading up to this incident," he says. "So, it's kind of hard for me to answer that question and be accurate."

The Department of Corrections is investigating the earlier incident at the prison where Henson was stabbed.

The GBI continues to investigate the use of deadly force by the officer. Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the middle judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office at 478-374-6988. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).

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