WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. — We've been following the fatal shooting of a state prisoner at a Washington County Hospital. Sheriff Joel Cochran was on the scene.
"Things like this don't typically happen in a small town, so yes, it's definitely shocking," Cochran said.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call about a shooting at the Washington County Regional Medical Center.
"I was thankful that it didn't end up any worse than it did," Cochran said.
Deputies arrived on the scene along with Sandersville Police to secure the scene. After that, Cochran said they followed protocol to call in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
"We always notify them when there's an officer-involved incident using any type of force and such," Cochran said.
The GBI said an inmate from Washington State Prison was killed by a corrections officer. Jacob Henson was serving time at the prison for aggravated assault, burglary, and a dozen other charges.
A state prison inmate was taken to this hospital after he was stabbed by another inmate during a fight Tuesday evening. Investigators said Henson grabbed a prison guard's pepper spray, sprayed a second officer and charged at her.
Then that second officer shot Henson. He died in the hospital's emergency room from his injuries. Henson was 31 years old and from Canton in Cherokee County.
Sheriff Cochran said it's sad when a life is lost, but he applauds the officers for their bravery.
"The officers acted fast and swift and I think they were very courageous in their actions and making sure that this situation didn't get any worse than what it was," Cochran said.
The GBI said this happened around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday night. Cochran said emotions inside the hospital were high after what happened.
"Very alarming to the people, to staff, and others that were there at the time," Cochran said.
A hospital official said none of their staff was injured. Henson was serving a ten-year sentence for his crimes. He was scheduled to be released in 2026.
The GBI asks anyone with information contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.