Baldwin County sheriff praises bystanders who helped deputy during struggle as GBI investigates arrest
The incident happened Monday night outside the Family Store on Vinson Highway in Milledgeville after an employee called 911 to report a man trespassing on the property. Dispatch records show the man, identified as 58-year-old Calvin Brown, had previously been barred from the business.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is praising two bystanders who stepped in to help a deputy during a violent struggle with a trespassing suspect, as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues reviewing the arrest.
Nearly 14 minutes of body camera footage obtained by 41NBC shows the encounter between Deputy Joseph Harker and Brown, beginning with the deputy’s initial contact and continuing through Brown’s arrest.
According to the sheriff’s office, Brown resisted arrest after learning he would be taken into custody for criminal trespass. The body camera footage captures a physical struggle between Brown and Harker that escalated outside the store.
During the altercation, Harker can be heard asking nearby witnesses for help. Sheriff Bill Massee says Brown placed his hands around the deputy’s throat, creating what he described as a life-threatening situation.
The video shows two bystanders stepping in and pulling Brown away from the deputy before Harker later deployed his Taser. Another deputy soon arrived to help complete the arrest.
Sheriff Massee says he is grateful for the community members who intervened.
“We were glad to know that the people in the community think enough of us to try to help us when we are in a life-threatening situation,” Massee said.
The owner of the Family Store says calling law enforcement was the appropriate response after an employee reported feeling unsafe.
“When you feel unsafe, we call the law. And that’s what we did,” the store owner said. “It’s not supposed to happen this way.”
Brown was arrested and charged with aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, felony obstruction and criminal trespass.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed it is conducting a preliminary review of the incident. The agency says the investigation remains active and no additional information is being released at this time.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office has not said whether Deputy Harker remains on active duty while the GBI’s review continues.
