BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WTXL) - A Bainbridge Public Safety Officer arrested Joseph Hughes, 49, of Whitesville, Ky. on multiple charges on Tuesday, October 3.
Reports say Hughes was pulled over traveling west on Shotwell Street in a green truck for crossing over the center double lines in the road. The officer initiated a traffic stop.
As the truck came to a stop at the intersection of Shotwell and Clark Streets, the driver’s door opened and Hughes out jumped the truck. He started running towards the Bainbridge Little Theatre. The officer pursued him on foot, commanding him several times to stop.
Hughes continued to run, and attempted to jump over a wooden gate behind the theatre. He broke the gate and fell onto the concrete below. He jumped up and continued to run.
The officer caught up with Hughes and tackled him. Hughes resisted arrest, but the officer was able to gain control and place him in handcuffs.
EPS was dispatched to treat lacerations that Hughes received to his face and head when he fell from the gate onto the concrete.
Hughes’ name was run through Decatur-Grady E-911 and dispatch advised that he did not have a valid license, and also had active warrants out of both Ohio and Illinois.
Hughes was charged with Criminal Damage 2nd Degree (Felony), Driving Without a Valid License, Obstruction of Law Enforcement, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Failure to Use Turn Signal.
He transported to the Decatur County Jail.
