Gwinett County Police recently responded to a call claiming that a man was physically harming a woman inside an SUV. The SUV was parked at a gas station, which also happened to be next to a child care center.
Once police arrived on the scene, the man allowed the woman in the car to leave. She was treated at a local hospital. After the woman left, however, the defendant allegedly threatened the police by saying that he had explosive devices in his car. The man now facesviolent crimes charges as a result of the subsequent confrontation with police.
Apparently, the suspect was in possession of a handgun, which apparently misfired. At this point, the SWAT team was able to subdue the man and take him into custody. The threat led to the release of the SWAT team and Hazardous Devices Unit who searched the SUV. Authorities found fireworks, but did not actually find any other dangerous materials. The suspect, a convicted felon, was held at a detention facility without bond.
Authorities charged the man with aggravated assault charges, battery, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These are extremely serious charges which carry potentially significant penalties. Allegations of such crimes have the potential to affect a defendant’s personal and professional life, whether or not the charges are ever proven.
The information provided in reports is likely what was provided by law enforcement officials, which provides a one-sided account of the events, since this is the information to be used by prosecutors. As is the situation in any criminal case, there are details and circumstances at work that is not covered by police reports.
No matter the severity of charges leveled against an individual, they still have legal rights. Additionally, they may have some legal options available, including probation or appeals, if he is not exonerated. A criminal defense attorney may be able to provide answers and clearly lay out all the legal options.
Source: Lawrenceville Patch, “Suspect in SWAT Call Identified, Faces Long List of Charges,” Vanzetta Evans, August 1, 2012
