Authorities in Habersham County said Monday morning a weekend pursuit in the county led to the arrest of a Gainesville man on various charges.
According to a press release from Habersham County, William Ray Barnhardt, 45, faces a variety of charges, including fleeing/eluding a police officer, obstruction of an officer, aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of THC oil/wax, possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute and tampering with evidence.
A Habersham County Sheriff's Office corporal reportedly conducted a traffic stop at about 2:25 a.m. Sunday on a van driven by Barnhardt on Highway 365 northbound near Iron Ore Road outside Demorest.
"When the corporal exited his vehicle, he approached the driver’s side of the van and could hear yelling coming from the vehicle as if someone was in distress," the press release said.
The corporal told Barnhardt he was being stopped due to an alleged improper lane change and erratic driving.
When asked for his license, Barnhardt allegedly began reaching about inside the vehicle and claimed he was trying to secure his dog. He was ordered to exit the van but placed the vehicle in drive and sped away.
A pursuit then ensued, with Barnhardt allegedly driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 365. Deputies were able to perform a PIT maneuver to stop the van.
Deputies then attempted to arrest Barnhardt, at which time he began to physically resist being placed in handcuffs. Deputies also said the man began reaching into the waistband of his shorts, reaching for an unknown object or what they thought could be a weapon.
Barnhardt was eventually handcuffed and the Habersham County Animal Care and Control took custody of his dog.
After reviewing the video of the pursuit, authorities observed Barnhardt had thrown narcotics paraphernalia across the median upon exiting the van. Another corporal retrieved methamphetamine, fentanyl, THC wax and marijuana from the pursuit scene at about 7 a.m. Sunday.
"Upon running his information through the state and national databases, Barnhardt returned with an outstanding warrant out of Ohio, with warnings about his violent tendencies, being armed with dangerous weapons, extensive narcotics offenses, and armed robberies," the release said.
