Tifton, Ga. - On Friday March 25, 2011, the Tift County Sheriff's Office requested the GBI to investigate allegations that Omega Police Chief Walter R. Young assaulted an inmate in custody at their facility. The inmate had been arrested by the Omega Police Department for Theft by shoplifting and was being housed at the Tift County Jail.

After the assault the chief transported the victim away from the detention center and released him. The victim sustained serious injuries including a broken nose during the assault. Chief Young was arrested by GBI agents and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault. After his arrest, Chief Young was transported to Crisp County Detention Center.

The investigation is continuing.

# # # # #

Contact Information:

SAC KIm Baker - 229-777-2080; John Bankhead - 404-270-8330