Georgia Police Search for Resisting Suspect

Authorities are searching for a man who allegedly resisted his arrest and ended up firing a gunshot at the officers involved.

Police were serving a warrant when the man ran away from his home. According to reports, the officers did not exchange any gunfire. No one was injured in the incident. However, the suspect made it away without being detained.

Officers are currently asking the public for help locating the suspect.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline one of the offenses committed by the suspect in the incident above.

Obstruction in Georgia

Obstruction in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §16-10-24.

According to the first part of the law, misdemeanor obstruction is defined as:

A person who knowingly and willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties is guilty of a misdemeanor.

If a person is convicted of misdemeanor obstruction, then the penalty can include up to 12 months in jail as well as fines up to $1,000.

According to the second part of the law, felony obstruction is defined as:

Whoever knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any law enforcement officer, prison guard, correctional officer, probation supervisor, parole supervisor, or conservation ranger in the lawful discharge of his official duties by offering or doing violence to the person of such officer or legally authorized person is guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

If a person is convicted of felony obstruction, then the penalty can include up to 5 years in prison.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been arrested for any offense related to DUI, contact our offices today.