Name of Accused:
Anders, Benjamin Jay
Date of Arrest:
07/07/2024
Charges For Arrest:
Disorderly Conduct
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 07/07/24 at 1537 hours, I responded to 11 Macedonia Rd, 411 Etowah Boat Ramp, Kingston GA, in reference to a fight in progress.
Upon my arrival, I met with the caller/victim, [VICTIM ], and the witness, [WITNESS ]. They began to tell me that [VICTIM ] was assaulted by an unknown male, later identified as Benjamin Anders.
[VICTIM ] said that Benjamin went down to the river after they separated. [VICTIM ] also pointed to a white Ford Fusion and said that Benjamin told them that was his car. I provided the license plate, [REDACTED], to dispatch. They advised that the vehicle was registered to Benjamin.
I began to walk down to the river to locate Benjamin. I asked Deputy Ashworth to ask [VICTIM ] if he wished to prosecute for the altercation, and he declined prosecution. I still continued to question Benjamin about the incident, and I located him swimming in the river. Benjamin exited the river and began to speak with me. I asked why he was in an altercation with [VICTIM ] and he advised that [VICTIM ] started the altercation, and he was body-slammed by [WITNESS ]. While speaking with Benjamin, I detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. I asked if he had consumed any alcohol or drugs on this date, and he said that he had some beer, but not enough to be intoxicated. Benjamin was slightly slurring his words, and was not steady on his feet, eventually getting to the point where he sat down on the boat ramp.
I walked back up the ramp to gather [VICTIM ]’s and [WITNESS ]’ information. I also asked for their statements. [VICTIM ] explained that Benjamin was talking with him and telling him that his vehicle had broken down, and asked for a ride . [VICTIM ] said that he was in the process of securing his kayak to the top of his vehicle, and declined to take Benjamin because he and [WITNESS ] were running late to be on time. [VICTIM ] said Benjamin mumbled something under his breath and became angry, ultimately striking him in the face with a closed fist. [VICTIM ] said that [WITNESS ] was nearby and ran in, tackling Benjamin to the ground, and pinning him down until Benjamin said that he gave up. [VICTIM ] said [WITNESS ] tackled Benjamin to prevent any further attack.
I then spoke with [WITNESS ], who said that [VICTIM ] was securing his kayak to the vehicle. [WITNESS ] said he noticed Benjamin approaching [VICTIM ], and began to watch as he was trying to drain his kayak. [WITNESS ] said that he heard a change in the tone of [VICTIM ]’s voice, so he began to really pay attention. [WITNESS ] said that he witnessed Benjamin punch [VICTIM ], so he ran over and tackled him to prevent further injury to [VICTIM ]. [WITNESS ] said once Benjamin gave up and 911 was called, he got off of him.
I looked into [VICTIM ]’s mouth, where I observed a laceration on the inside of his lower lip, which was sustained from the closed fist punch. I asked [VICTIM ] if he wished to press charges and he declined to press charges. I provided [VICTIM ] with a case number for the incident.
I then went and placed Benjamin into custody for disorderly conduct due to his admission about being under the influence and causing a physical disturbance at the public boat ramp. I transported Benjamin to the jail, where he was turned over to staff without incident. Sergeant Chester waited with Benjamin’s vehicle until it was turned over to Bulldog Towing, and completed an impound sheet.
I provided the jail with a copy of the impound sheet, and both of the citations for Benjamin’s arrest.
[End of Narrative]