A Floyd County man faces a litany of charges after a domestic incident escalated into a fight with several cops, leading to a gunshot being fired, authorities said.
Steven Ejsimekwu, 30, stole his 18-year-old brother’s shoes Sunday afternoon, kicking off the series of violent events, according to Floyd County police. He’s accused of hitting his brother and breaking his phone when he tried to call 911.
However, the call went through, and an officer responded to their home off Avenue C in Lindale about 2 p.m., according to an incident report. The report includes narratives by three police officers and three deputies.
The responding officer arrived and met with Ejsimekwu’s brother, who said the suspect locked himself inside the house, the report said. The victim said he had a shotgun in his room, and he was worried Ejsimekwu would find it.
He also informed the officer that Ejsimekwu is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and he wasn’t sure if he was on his medication, the report said. As a result, the officer called for backup and emergency medical services before attempting to make contact with the suspect.
The other five law enforcement officers eventually arrived, and the first few attempts to make contact with Ejsimekwu were unsuccessful, the report said. The brothers’ mother also arrived and tried to get her son to come out — to no avail.
Eventually, Ejsimekwu cracked open the home’s front door and began to speak to the cops, asking if he would be arrested, the report said. A deputy responded that he would be charged with battery-family violence, and the suspect tried to close the door.
The deputy made his move and tried to keep the door open and grab Ejsimekwu, the report said. A fight ensued involving all six law enforcement officials.
During the brawl, several picture frames were knocked down, leaving glass all over the floor, the report said. Everyone involved received several cuts.
A deputy tried to use his Taser, but Ejsimekwu was able to get a hold of it, the report said. The suspect is accused of firing it twice, striking two of the cops. After it was used, an officer was able to get it and throw it away from the group.
The suspect then began to reach for a deputy’s gun and was able to get his finger around the trigger at one point, the report said. Ejsimekwu “was able to fire a round offensively toward officers,” but no one was hit. No other shots were fired.
Soon after, officers handcuffed Ejsimekwu, ending the ordeal. Two large kitchen knives and a hammer were found in the living room where the suspect was barricaded, police said.
He was taken to Floyd Medical Center before being booked into jail. The officers also went to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Ejsimekwu faces 17 charges, including six counts of felony obstruction, four counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer and two counts of removal of a weapon from a public official, records show.
He remains in custody without bond.
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Credit: AJC
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