Inmate strikes deputy, demands $10 million

Walruth further claimed his client has suffered “undue pain and suffering, health problems and extensive emotional distress.”

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith does not dispute some of the allegations made by Muckle and his attorney. Smith readily concedes that Muckle was removed from his cell, pepper-sprayed and put in a body restraint. Smith also admits a bag was placed over Muckle’s head. What he does dispute is Muckle’s insinuation that his treatment was inappropriate or unprovoked.

According to Smith, Muckle refused to get out of bed for meal time when instructed to do so by a deputy. When Muckle refused to comply with the deputy’s instructions, the deputy requested a supervisor. The supervisor pulled the sheet off Muckle and ordered him out of bed.

Rather than comply with the deputy’s instructions, Muckle “jumped up” and punched the deputy in the face.

Smith said the incident was recorded on detention center surveillance and shows Muckle continuing to struggle and resist deputies even after being pepper-sprayed.

Smith said his deputies had no choice but to place Muckle in body restraints for their safety. The bag was placed over Muckle’s head when he began spitting on the deputies putting them at risk of biohazardous contamination.

Smith said his deputies’ actions were warranted under the circumstances.

Muckle has authorized his attorney to settle the claim for a sum of $10 million.