Inmate accused of stabbing deputy at Fulton County Jail due in court

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) - A Fulton County Sheriff’s Office deputy was repeatedly stabbed Monday morning at Fulton County jail, according to Sheriff Patrick Labat.

The sheriff said during a press conference that a detainee was brought into the jail late Sunday night. He then attacked a deputy around 7:30 a.m. during processing.

According to Labat, the deputy was attacked by a man named Richard Parham, stabbing him multiple times.

It’s still unclear how he was able to sneak a knife into the Fulton County jail.

“We have a lot of video footage to go through and a lot of investigation to do,” said Labat.

Labat said the prisoner was initially arrested on charges of terroristic threats and acts, willful obstruction of law enforcement officers, and simple battery, which is a misdemeanor.

The sheriff’s office attributes some of the issues to systematic problems at the Fulton County Jail.

“We’ve talked about that for months,” said Labat. “Everything from... the jail is overcrowded to really making sure we retain and recruit good women and men to join our law enforcement community. But to that end, we just have to make sure that our steps are followed. and we will continue to tighten that up.”

The deputy, who has not been identified, is being treated at Grady Memorial Hospital and is expected to survive. The sheriff also said that he doesn’t think the deputy will need surgery.

The inmate is expected to make a curt appearance Tuesday morning.

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