From STAFF REPORTS

CORDELE — Multiple charges have been filed against a 39-year-old Brooklet, Ga., man as the result of an assault incident city police officers were called to investigate late Saturday night at a local motel.

Cpl. Bruce Gourley said that as he arrived at the scene a police dispatcher alerted him the offender reportedly in possession of a gun was leaving the motel traveling south through the parking lot toward 20th Avenue.

When Gourley tried to head off the suspect’s car, the driver subsequently identified as James Lloyd Spradley tried to cut behind his patrol unit and wound up crashing into a ditch.

As Gourley approached with his weapon drawn and with commands to exit the vehicle, Spradley put his car into reverse in a failed bid to escape. He then got out of his car and took off running but was caught a short distance away in a vacant lot.

Follow-up investigation disclosed that in addition to previously having his driver’s license suspended for DUI violations, an obviously intoxicated Spradley was identified by the assault victim as being the person who for unknown reasons attacked him while they two were having a drink.

Spradley allegedly used a knife to cut the victim over his left eye and when he fell to the floor choked him before he could escape.

Spradley has been charged with aggravated assault, obstruction of an officer in the performance of his duties, attempting to elude police, driving on a suspended license and DUI.

In other activity during the weekend, officers:

— Cited Denzel Timpress Evans, 18, of 705 12th St. S., and a 15-year-old juvenile who cannot be identified under Georgia law for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana after the two were caught during a Sunday afternoon foot chase that started in the 800 block of 17th Ave. E.

Crisp County Deputy Sheriff Tukes initiated the pursuit of the suspects when they ran from him after he simply asked them how they were doing. Sgt. Montgomery later joined in the chase and helped apprehend the two subjects.

In addition to the marijuana charge, Evans was cited for disorderly conduct and probation violation and the juvenile was charged with obstruction of an officer.

— Went to a residence in the 500 block of Seventh Avenue in response to a disturbance that broke out over an income tax return.

Lt. Carrie Lull said one of two women involved in the dispute told her she had allowed the other subject to claim her children on her income tax return in exchange for $600.