Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Sheriff's detective hurt while avoiding drug suspect's car By JOHN MUNFORD jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com Two Atlanta men trying to escape undercover drug agents during a bust at the parking lot of the Fayetteville Home Depot tried to run over a Fayette County sheriff's detective, according to police. The detective, a member of the department's tactical unit, was treated at the hospital for an ankle injury, said Capt. Mike Pruitt of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. The incident began in the Home Depot parking lot as drug agents moved in to make the arrests. The suspects then tried to get away and attempted to run over the detective with the car, Pruitt said. Drug agents then fired three shots to disable the car, deflating two of the vehicle's tires, Pruitt said. The driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a parked car, Pruitt added. Deputies had to drag the suspects out of the car, Pruitt said. The suspects Ryan Martin, 23, of Atlanta and Willie Johnson, 21, of Atlanta were arrested for aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana. Martin, the driver, was also charged with driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance, Pruitt said.   What do you think of this story? Click here to send a message to the editor. Back to the News Home Page| Back to the top of the page