Suspect accused in North Georgia deputy’s assault charged

Dawson County sheriff's Sgt. Randy Harness (left) and Justin Alan Foster.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Dawson County sheriff's Sgt. Randy Harness (left) and Justin Alan Foster.

A man accused of beating a North Georgia deputy and assaulting another woman faces several charges, Dawson County authorities said Wednesday.

Justin Alan Foster, 30, remains in the hospital, but faces 14 charges including aggravated assault with intent to murder, attempted removal of a weapon from a public official and obstruction, Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an email.

Foster attacked Dawson County sheriff’s Sgt. Randy Harkness after he received a courtesy ride to a Dawsonville Chevron gas station Tuesday afternoon, Johnson said.

Harkness, who suffered head and face injuries, was in the process of giving the suspect money at the time of the alleged attack.

A bystander stopped her car and shot Foster, who allegedly ran to a McDonald’s across the street and assaulted a woman.

At some point during the incident, Foster attempted to carjack three people, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Other good Samaritans held Foster down until police arrived. He was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound.

Harkness, a 24-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, was also taken to the hospital and released late Tuesday night.

Police have not released the name the woman assaulted, but said she is out of the hospital.

Foster also faces two counts of battery, three counts of hijacking a motor vehicle, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated assault against a peace officer, aggravated batter against a peace officer, aggravated assault with the intent to rob and robbery by force.

VIDEO: Bystander Shoots at Man Allegedly Attacking Police Officer