A man was arrested Monday after he attempted to enter the Clayton County courthouse while armed with a handgun because he was “bringing a message from God” and “the message was death,” authorities said.
Darrell Anthony Jones, 27, of Hampton is accused of running away from the building when asked to empty his pockets, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
A deputy caught up to him, noticed a gun in his hand and ordered him to drop his weapon at gunpoint, the release said.
Jones complied and was taken into custody. Another handgun was found on him during the arrest, the release said.
On Tuesday, Jones’ mother spoke to Channel 2 Action News and said her son has been acting strange lately and her family has a history of mental illness.
“I think it's something online he tapped into that's controlling his mind,” the mother, who asked to remain anonymous, told Channel 2. “Because of course God is not going to tell you to come up to the courthouse with no gun. You're asking for death.”
She said she thinks her son was trying to commit “suicide by police,” the news station reported.
Jones faces charges of obstructing an officer, carrying a weapon in unauthorized locations and concealed carry, jail records show.
He remains in the Clayton County jail without bond, according to jail records.
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