FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
Legally Armed Citizen Aids Deputy Sheriff in Arresting Violator
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:
At approximately 3 p.m. yesterday, September 17th, a sheriff’s detective was inside a local convenience store near the intersection of Red Bud Road and Interstate 75 in Calhoun when he observed a woman shoplifting. The detective confronted and detained the woman inside the store. This woman, subsequently identified as Stephanie Lynn Baldwin, age 29, of 1050 Herrington Bend Road, was compliant as the detective called for a patrol car to transport her to the jail. She was accompanied by a male acquaintance who’d waited in the parking lot. When Baldwin told her male friend she was being arrested, he left his car and went into the store and became disorderly. When the detective attempted to arrest the man, subsequently identified as one Jason Ray Brown, age 28, no current address, he violently resisted. A struggle ensued in which a bystander, who happened to be the holder of a firearms permit and was armed, came to the officer’s aid. Together, they subdued Brown, who was then taken to the county jail along with Baldwin. Other deputy sheriffs, as well as nearby Calhoun Police units, responded to the scene to help.
Baldwin was charged with 1 count of shoplifting. Brown, who has been arrested in this jurisdiction a number of times, was charged with (felony) Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer.
Sheriff Mitch Ralston said, “The citizen who helped this deputy was thrust into a situation he didn’t ask to be in. However, it was fortunate that he was in the right place at the right time to help the officer, who was making a lawful arrest, and was being attacked. This citizen showed great bravery and fortitude in a very dangerous situation. Because of his actions, neither the deputy, the violator, or anyone else were seriously injured. I plan to formally recognize this citizen at the appropriate place and time.”