Minor Traffic Stop Escalates Into Officer Involved Shooting in NW Georgia

Two men have been reported as being on the run after firing guns at deputies in Walker County. Both men are allegedly on the run and hiding in the woods in northwest Georgia. What started as a minor traffic stop for a window tint violation turned into an officer involved shooting.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now also on the case.

Among other serious felony charges, the two men will also be facing charges of felony obstruction in Georgia. As a Georgia DUI Attorney, I will outline some examples of felony obstruction in today's post as well as a look at the law.

Felony Obstruction in Georgia

Georgia Law defines felony obstruction 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).

Some examples of felony obstruction include:

• Threatening an officer
• Hitting an officer
• Using a weapon against an officer
• Resisting arrest using force, etc.

If convicted of felony obstruction, the penalty can be imprisonment of one to five years, a minimum fine of $300, community service, or anger management classes.

Practice Note

As I mentioned above, the two men mentioned in the news story are facing many other charges on top of the obstruction charge. Obstruction is common in arrests for DUI in Georgia. It is also a common charge in drug possession charges such as possession of marijuana in Georgia.

Minor traffic stops unfortunately can escalate quickly if the accused or investigated individual disrespects, disobeys, or threatens the arresting or investigating officer. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices today. A Georgia DUI Lawyer can help you with your case.