STAFF REPORT :::
Two Griffin men were arrested Monday after officers of the Griffin Police Department Special Investigations and CAGE units attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle reported stolen out of Newton County.
Officials say the driver, Jermad Barkley, jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot, throwing a handgun in the roadway. Barkley was located a short distance away and surrendered without further incident.
He has been charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, reckless conduct and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.
A second occupant, Phillip Goodrum, who authorities say is a “validated confirmed gang member belonging to the Neighborhood Crips,” was charged with possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. He also had outstanding warrants from a Dec. 12, incident in which he and Goodrum allegedly fled from officers.
The vehicle’s third occupant, Monkedre McCord, was on Dec. 12, charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
“We will continue to pursue, identify and prosecute known gang members in our City,” said Chief Mike Yates. “We will be ever vigilant in our efforts to suppress the gangs and their activities.”
The GRIP 
Catching them is great but what are the courts doing? If they slap their hands, let them plead to a lesser offense, it’s no good. I’m not saying they are doing that but with all the arrest we seeing, crime should really be down.