Sunday, May 14, 2017

JONESBORO POLICE OFFICER RESIGNS AFTER BEING ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IN POCAHONTAS

MUGSHOT OF GARRETT THOMASON, A JONESBORO POLICE OFFICER

Garrett Thomason, a Jonesboro police officer has resigned after being arrested while off duty in Pocahontas for allegedly pointing a gun at a motorist.

A Jonesboro Police Department spokesman says Thomason gave his resignation — effective immediately — to Police Chief Rick Elliott Friday night.

Randolph County Sheriff Gary Tribble told The Jonesboro Sun that Thomason was arrested Thursday, May 8th on an aggravated assault complaint after a motorist reported a gun was pointed at him by another driver.

The motorist provided a license plate number and the car was stopped with Thomason driving and carrying a gun.

Thomason said the other motorist was speeding and following too closely and that he pointed at him and pulled out his weapon, but did not point the gun at the motorist.
Arkansas Code Annotated  §5-13-204, Aggravated assault, defines the crime as follows:

(a) A person commits aggravated assault if, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, he or she purposely:

(1) Engages in conduct that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person;

(2) Displays a firearm in such a manner that creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person; or

(3) Impedes or prevents the respiration of another person or the circulation of another person's blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of the other person.

(b) Aggravated assault is a Class D felony.

We have requested additional information from the Randolph COunty Sheriff's Department. Stay tuned for updates.