Man tasered after struggle
Published 11:26 pm Monday, September 15, 2008
A Covington County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured and his assailant tased Friday, a CCSO spokesperson said Monday.
The incident began about 1:30 a.m. Friday when the Andalusia Police Department received a call concerning the theft of a laptop from a local residence.
“APD officers identified the suspect as 39-year-old Antonio Roderick Evans of Andalusia,” the spokesman said. “When APD officers ran Evans’ personal information, it was discovered that he was wanted by the Sheriff’s Office on two contempt warrants for failure to pay child support.”
“While attempting to take him into custody, Evans began to actively resist the officers’ attempts,” the spokesman said. “By actively, he was flailing, kicking and fighting to keep from being arrested, which prompted the officers to seek assistance from a nearby deputy.”
The spokesman said upon the deputy’s arrival, Evans, now accompanied by his wife, was still actively attempting to resist the officers.
“The deputy issued the tasing warning to Evans, who continued to resist,” the spokesman said. “Evans was then tased, which enabled the officers to get him handcuffed.”
Evans was then placed inside the APD car while officers recovered the stolen laptop.
“He then began to kick the APD unit’s door repeatedly,” the spokesman said.
When the county deputy opened the door to instruct Evans to stop, Evans allegedly kicked the deputy close to his groin.
“The deputy then attempted to utilize a brachial stun; however, Evans attempted to dodge the stun and was struck in the mouth,” the spokesman said.
Both the deputy and Evans were injured in the incident and transported to Andalusia Regional Hospital for treatment.
“Evans was treated for a busted lip and released; the deputy was treated for lacerations to his hand,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman said a crack pipe was discovered where Evans had left it in the APD patrol unit. A Drug Task Force Agent was the contacted to retrieve the evidence.
Evans was charged with two counts of contempt, third-degree assault, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental operations, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Covington County Jail without bond.
His wife, 36-year-old Sara Ann Evans, was charged with obstructing government operations, resisting arrest and criminal mischief. She was released on a $1,300 bond.
“The APD appreciates the assistance from CCSO,” said APD Chief Wilbur Williams. “The availability of the taser is certainly important and enables the officers to avoid additional physical confrontations with unruly suspects.”