Authorities have arrested a man they say dragged a Spalding County deputy about 25 feet during a traffic stop Thursday, according to a sheriff’s office Facebook post.

The deputy made the stop on Ga. 16 West regarding a suspicious person/vehicle, spokesman Dwayne Jones said. The driver had outstanding warrants for misdemeanor probation violation and theft by taking.

“The deputy was leaning inside the vehicle in an attempt to remove the suspect,” Jones said.

The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Ryan Chase Archer,  then drove off with the deputy partially in the vehicle, Jones said.

The deputy, who was not identified, suffered minor injuries and returned to duty, the post said.

Archer was charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer, reckless driving, driving without a license and two counts of obstruction of an officer. He is in the Spalding County jail.

In other news:

DeKalb County police said they believe the victim may have been targeted.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC