Sparta Police: Man arrested after threatening victims with gun, resisting arrest

Sparta Police arrested a man Wednesday morning after he threatened two people with a gun and led officers on a foot chase before resisting arrest, according to a news release from Chief Tommie Walker, Jr.

SPARTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Sparta Police arrested a man Wednesday morning after he threatened two people with a gun and led officers on a foot chase before resisting arrest, according to a news release from Chief Tommie Walker, Jr.

Police say around 9:25 a.m., a witness entered the Sparta Police Department and reported that 35-year-old Demetre Lawrence had pointed a gun at him and another person, threatening them with bodily harm.

Officers began searching for Lawrence and located him at Rocky’s Convenience Store. Chief Walker requested that Lawrence remain still for a frisk search, during which police say Chief Walker discovered a .45 caliber Glock in Lawrence’s waistband.

According to police, Lawrence then tried to flee the store, knocking items from shelves as he ran. Police say officers chased him on foot along Augusta Highway. An officer deployed his taser near JD Walls Gymnasium, but Lawrence continued to resist and tried to enter the driver’s seat of the officer’s patrol vehicle.

Police say Lawrence tried to shift the car into drive, but the officer prevented him from doing so. Chief Walker then applied a “dry stun” with his taser, which police say forced Lawrence to release his grip on the gear shift and steering wheel. Chief Walker then used his taser again, and officers placed Lawrence under arrest.

Lawrence is being held at the Hancock County Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of terroristic threats, two counts of pointing a firearm at another, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and obstruction of law enforcement officers, according to the release.

Police say Lawrence refused medical treatment after receiving minor scrapes and being tased.