Ala. inmate floods jail cell, attacks corrections officer

The Morgan County Jail inmate was moved to the rec yard while the cell’s sprinkler was getting fixed; while being taken back to his cell, he “violently struck” a CO in the head

September 18, 2024 02:03 PM

By Carol Robinson
al.com

DECATUR, Ala. — A north Alabama man awaiting trial for murder attacked a Morgan County Jail officer Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Jason O’Neal Stovall, 41, broke the sprinkler head in his cell, causing it to flood the floor, said sheriff’s spokesman Mike Swafford.

Stovall was moved and isolated in the recreation yard while the cell could be cleaned and the sprinkler head repaired.

When those repairs were complete, a corrections officer directed Stovall to exit the rec yard and return to his cell.

The inmate initially appeared to comply and walked toward the open door but then “violently struck the corrections officer in the head and continued to attempt to beat the officer.”

The inmate was tazed, with little effect, and finally subdued when additional officers arrived.

The jail officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Stovall is now being charged with second-degree assault, Swafford said.

Stovall is awaiting trial later this year in the 2021 stabbing death of his 63-year-old stepfather.

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