A 25-year-old state prisoner who walked away from a work detail in east Athens earlier this week was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly beat a Gwinnett police officer in the head with his own baton.
David Gill walked away from the work detail Monday, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.
He is serving a sentence at the Clarke County Correctional Institution after a conviction in Clayton County on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections website, he is not scheduled to be released from prison until February 2018.
In Gwinnett County, an officer assigned to the East Precinct noticed a man later identified as Gill walking down Winder Highway carrying a duffle bag just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, Gwinnett police Cpl. Deon Washington said.
Officers had responded to a burglary attempt at a nearby business Tuesday.
“With that in mind, the officer attempted to make contact with the male,” Washington said. “When the male saw the patrol car, he began running away.”
The officer caught up to Gill behind a building in the 2100 block of Village Broad Street.
“As the officer attempted to gain control over the suspect, a physical altercation ensued and the officer’s baton became dislodged from its scabbard,” Washington said. “The suspect picked up the baton and struck the officer in the face several times.”
The officer was bleeding profusely, dizzy and having a difficult time seeing the suspect when the officer drew his service weapon and ordered Gill to the ground, Washington said.
“The suspect immediately dropped the baton and sat on the ground,” he said. “When additional officers arrived at the location, the suspect was taken into custody.”
Both the officer and Gill — who allegedly gave a false name and birth date — were taken to Gwinnett Medical Center.
The officer, who is believed to have suffered a concussion, required 10 staples in his head. He was released from the hospital early Wednesday, Washington said.
Gill was treated for a cut on his hand and released, police said.
Following the incident, officers learned that video surveillance from a Fast Trip at 2115 Winder Highway showed Gill walking across the parking lot shortly before 2 a.m. wearing the same clothes he had on when he was confronted by the officer, Washington said.
“Gill threw a rock through the store window, used a pipe to clear the glass, and then climbed through the window,” Washington said. “He ultimately stole several cartons of cigarettes and lighters before fleeing the store.”
Police saw the video but have not obtained copies of it, Washington said.
Gill was booked into the Gwinnett County Detention Center on burglary, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and other charges.
“This case is a clear illustration of the inherent dangers that police officers face while protecting the life and property of the citizens in Gwinnett County,” Washington said.
