Sheriff: Ex-Captain Taped Grenade To Inmate's Neck

LAMAR COUNTY, Ga.,None — A former captain with the Lamar County Sheriff's Office is accused of taping a stinger grenade to an inmate's neck, officials said.

Grier Smith, 34, of Barnesville, was arrested Tuesday in connection with the July 2007 incident.

Officials said Smith was captain of the sheriff's patrol division at the time and is now charged with aggravated assault and violation of his oath of office.

Stinger grenades are widely used as a crowd management tool by law enforcement in correctional and jail facilities against non-compliant or riotous inmates.

Experts say improper use of a stinger grenade can result in death or serious bodily injury.