Atlanta Man Arrested for Firing a Gun at Officers During Attempted Traffic Stop

Ja'marrius Rucker was arrested after being accused of firing a gun at officers who were attempting to pull him over for driving a stolen vehicle in SW Atlanta. 

Officers began following Rucker when they ran plates and discovered the vehicle had been reported as stolen. Rucker then fired shots at the officers. Fortunately, no officers were injured nor was it necessary for them to return fire. Rucker eventually jumped out of the moving vehicle and ran on foot. The car wrecked into a pole, and officers quickly detained Rucker. 

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the offense of obstruction in today's post.

Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines obstruction of a law enforcement officer in Georgia by dividing the offense into two separate degrees: misdemeanor level obstruction and felony level obstruction. 

Misdemeanor obstruction is defined as: When a person knowingly or willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties. O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(a). The penalty for conviction of misdemeanor obstruction can include up to twelve months in jail and fines up to $1000.

Felony obstruction is defined as: When a person knowingly and willfully resist, obstruct, or oppose any law enforcement officer, prison guard, correctional officer, community supervision officer, probation officer, or conservation officer in the lawful discharge of his or her official duties by offering or doing violence to the person. O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(b). The penalty for conviction of felony obstruction can include up to five years in prison, fines starting at $300, community service, and anger management classes. 

Practice Note

The subject of the story above is facing a felony charge of obstruction for attempting to shoot the officers. He is also facing charges of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer in Georgia, reckless driving in Georgia as well as many other criminal charges.

If you or a loved one is facing serious traffic violations in Georgia, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today.