BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said three jail officers were assaulted by an inmate during a weekend incident.
William Henry Applewhite III (28) Sikeston has been charged with (3) counts of first degree assault on corrections officers and armed criminal action. Bond is set at $100,000 cash only.
Walter said prior to the weekend incident, Applewhite was being held in the Scott County Jail for 1st degree murder, armed criminal action, robbery, 1st degree assault, and tampering with a witness.
According to Sheriff Walter, Saturday afternoon Applewhite created a disturbance in the pod where he was being housed. Three corrections officers entered the pod and attempted to secure Applewhite in his cell. Applewhite charged the officers and got one of them in a choke hold. During the scuffle Applewhite obtained control of a taser. Applewhite used the taser on each of the officers. Officers received taser applications to the face, head, and neck areas. In addition to the officers, Applewhite also reportedly used the taser on two other inmates. Walter said the officers were eventually able to exit the pod and Applewhite was later secured. One of the corrections officers was treated at a local hospital.
Walter said it was obvious that Applewhite intended to create serious physical injury to the officers by striking them in the face, head, and neck areas. This is a perfect example of just how dangerous the job of a corrections officer is.
