A man is accused of beating a loss prevention officer at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville to the point where he needed to be taken to a nearby hospital, police said.

James Jean Claude Pierre-Gilles of Lawrenceville allegedly approached the officer Sunday, demanded the officer’s radio and badge before beating the officer, Gainesville police spokesman Kevin Holbrook told Channel 2 Action News.

The officer was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for evaluation and has since been released, Holbrook confirmed.

He said Pierre-Gilles stole the officer’s badge and radio before running away, but witnesses were able to give a good description of the suspect, leading to his arrest.

The badge and radio, which Holbrook said Pierre-Gilles had when he was arrested, have been returned to the officer. Police haven’t identified a motive for the attack.

Pierre-Gilles faces battery, robbery and theft/shoplifting charges, according to Hall County Jail records. He remains in jail on a $6,650 bond.

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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