Motorist who bit officer says he is HIV-positive

A motorist who claims to be HIV-positive was behind bars Sunday after biting an Atlanta officer on the arm during his arrest in southwest Atlanta.

Ross Deadwyler, 41, and police crossed paths about 3:30 a.m. Saturday when an Atlanta officer tried to stop Deadwyler along Metropolitian Parkway after noticing the suspect’s vehicle had a broken headlight, said Officer Ronald Campbell, an Atlanta police spokesman.

Deadwyler sped off, prompting the officer to briefly give chase, Campbell said.

A Georgia State Patrol officer soon picked up the chase, finally apprehending Deadwyler on Sylvan Road, Campbell said.

Deadwyler bit out a plug of flesh from the Atlanta officer’s arm as the officer reached into his car to shut off the ignition, Campbell said. Deadwyler said he was HIV positive immediately after biting the officer, Campbell said.

The state patrol officer also broke his hand during the arrest.

Both officers, whose names authorities declined to release, were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Atlanta officer was to undergo special testing, Campbell said.

Deadwyler is being held at the Fulton County Jail. Authorities charged him with two counts each of aggravated battery, aggravated assault and speeding to elude plus one count each of felony obstruction and improper equipment.