An East Ellijay officer received a broken leg while making an arrest.
“We’ve taken the appropriate charges on the guy,” said East Ellijay Public Safety Director Larry Callahan.
East Ellijay Patrolman Robin Graham responded to a possible shoplifter and public intoxication call at Walmart in East Ellijay Monday, June 16, at around 9 p.m.
Two officers responded. Graham arrived first. He attempted to stop the suspect, James Teal, 52, so he could talk with him. Callahan said Teal was known to the officers through various recent calls.
“Robin attempted to physically stop him and the fight started immediately,” Callahan said.
The two went to the ground, and Graham broke his leg just above the ankle.
Teal, 52, who has a listed address in Barnesville, was taken into custody by the second officer. He is charged with felony aggravated battery against law enforcement officer when engaged on official duty, felony willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence, public intoxication, theft by shoplifting and a probation violation.
Callahan said they have requested the district attorney oppose bond due to the injury of the officer and the frequency of arrests.
Teal is being held in the Gilmer County Detention Center.