Whiteville, NC – On March 20, 2019, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center staff safely deescalated a situation with a female inmate. Juanita Renee Askew was arrested on January 11, 2019 for two (2) counts of Failure to Appear, Simple Assault, Possession of Stolen Goods, two (2) counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretense, Injury to Personal Property, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Goods, and Misdemeanor Larceny. After her arrest, Askew was transferred from Columbus County Law Enforcement Center to another detention facility for her safekeeping.
On March 14th, Askew was transferred back to Columbus County Law Enforcement Center for upcoming court hearings. On March 20th, after her court hearings, Askew was being prepared for transport to another detention facility. Askew was non-compliant with the detention officers. She physically resisted and acted aggressively towards the detention officers and deputies. Askew was visibly distraught, crying hysterically and using profane language. During the incident, Askew removed all of her clothing and was unwilling to walk unassisted to the front of the detention center. She repeatedly pulled away from and attempted to wrestle away from the detention officers.
The detention officers and deputies used restraint and professionalism while dealing with Askew. Their language, demeanor, and actions remained professional and within the scope of their training. At one point during the incident, all available detention staff and officers were assisting with the situation. The detention officers and deputies were able to deescalate the situation by utilizing calming language, patience, and understanding. The use of excessive force was avoided and no one involved sustained injury. Askew was successfully transported to another detention facility for safekeeping.
We want to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals for their professionalism and patience while deescalating the above situation. We are proud of you!
Captain Battle, Lt. A. Worley, Sgt. T. Worley, Deputy Redwine, Deputy Elliott, Jr., Sgt. Jenkins, Officer Pridgen, Officer Nobles, Officer Guinyard, Officer Humphreys, Officer Dancil, and J. Creech, R.N.
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