Sheriff: Violent assault of C.A.G.E. investigator results in one arrest

STAFF REPORT :::

Authorities say a recent wreck resulted in the assault on a law enforcement officer and the arrest of one individual.

According to a press release issued by Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, the incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. Nov. 8, at the intersection of Elm Street and Railroad Avenue.

Officials say after Investigator Jennifer Fuller, of the SCSO C.A.G.E. Unit, called out at the scene of the wreck and exited her vehicle, a 26-year-old man later identified as Dustin Joel Stevens ran from the scene.

Fuller gave chase on foot and Stevens was apprehended near Peachtree Street and Railroad Avenue, the release stated.

“Once Inv. Fuller caught up to Mr. Stevens, she attempted to gain control of him. Stevens turned and reached for Inv. Fuller’s service weapon. Fuller was able to kick Mr. Stevens away from her and draw her issued Taser and deploy it striking Mr. Stevens on the right side of his body. As Stevens fell to the ground, he was given verbal commands to place his hands behind his back. Fuller moved in to handcuff him, Stevens began to resist, striking Inv. Fuller in the left side of her face with his fist,” the release stated. “In response, Inv. Fuller initiated another five second Taser cycle from the Taser and continued verbal commands for the subject to place his hands behind his back. Stevens continued to resist arrest. Inv. Fuller was finally able to create distance from Stevens and held the Taser to his back, not allowing him to get up until Officer Eric Michel from the Griffin Police Department arrived and placed Stevens in handcuffs.”

The Sheriff’s Office reports that Stevens sustained cuts to the bridge of his nose and face along with multiple abrasions during the alleged fight with Fuller.

Stevens was transported to the emergency room of WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.

Fuller was checked by staff at the SCSO’s medical facility, and was released back to duty.

Stevens has been charged with driving on a suspended license, felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a Schedule II narcotic, possession of drug related objects and headlight requirements.

He is currently being held in the Spalding County Jail.

“This was a violent encounter between Investigator Jennifer Fuller and Dustin Stevens that could have rapidly escalated in to a greater use of force. Deputy Fuller did an outstanding job of defending herself from Steven’s attack and his attempts to disarm her. She handled herself well, effected the arrest and I’m glad she was not more seriously injured,” Dix said.