Name of Accused:
Edwards, Harlan Walter
Date of Arrest:
07/17/2024
Charges For Arrest:
WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – MISDEMEANOR
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
INTERFERENCE WITH CUSTODY – 1ST OR 2ND CONVICTION MISDEMEANOR
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 Wednesday July 17, 2024
I Lieutenant Eady and Deputy T Stephens made with complainant Ms. [REDACTED], in reference to picking up her children from her baby’s father (Harlan Walter Edwards). The two children were 10 yoa son [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and 16 yoa daughter [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. [REDACTED] advised that Walter’s girlfriend ([WITNESS ]) picks up their children and drop off.
[REDACTED] said that her baby’s father has a TPO restraining order on him, so he have to keep his distance away. She said and showed the order’s signed by a Judge ordered visitation for the father two 14days time-frame during the summer. So Harlan receive 14 days twice per summer to have both of the children. [REDACTED] said that his girlfriend picked up both children from Krogers on Hartley Bridge on Wednesday July 3rd, 2024
. She said that 14 days from Wed July 3rd 2024
was Tuesday July 16, 2024
. She said that she always have to call the police, to get the children because he refuse and stops his girlfriend ([WITNESS ]) from retuning the children back on time, due to his anger problems.
We went to make with the father at [700 BLOCK] Friar Tuck Lane Macon, Georgia 31220, in reference to this child custody case. Upon our arrival to the residence, the window blinds were wide open, as we approached we could see the father (Harlan Walter Edwards) of the children quickly closing the blinds, to prevent the view inside the residence. Not knowing the situation we approached with caution, and knocked on the front door. Harlan Edwards walked outside and we identified ourselves and beginned to explain, why we were at his residence. I asked him, did his girlfriend ([WITNESS ]) pick up both the children ([REDACTED] and [REDACTED]), on July 3rd 2024
and he replied yes. I asked him was he familiar with the organized courts order to have a peace guilde for children custody exchanges. He said he was familiar, but was unhappy with his baby’s mother [REDACTED] not allowing him to get his full days in May 2024
.
I advised Walter to call the police, if he have any problems and we would make a report and enforce the court orders. He said that he was tired of dealing with the police, because the police will not help him, especially Warner Robins (Houston County). I offered to give him a case number, but he refused. I asked him to go get the children, he said what will happen, if he refused. I advised to please go get the children, as he stormed inside the house mad.
Walter returned back outside and said that he did not think that he have to give up the children, because the courts and law do not treat him fairly. I stopped him and advised once again to please go get the children, so they can return to their mother, due to the routine courts orders that both parents agreed to following. This is when Walter asked what will happen if he refuses to release the children because you both are on my private property. This is when I instructed Walter to place his hands behind his back, because he was under arrest for interference with Child Custody. This is when he attempted to resist, a few times as he was placed on the front window to secure the handcuffs and he was placed on the trunk of my assigned patrol vehicle, as he attempted to stop the escort. Finally he step inside the patrol vehicle without further incidents. For his additional actions Obstruction (16-10-24a) and Disorderly Conduct (16-11-39) were both added to the charges. For both children he will be charged with 2 counts of Interference with Custody (16-5-45)
After he was secured, was made the girlfriend ([WITNESS ]). She said that her boyfriend have anger problems. She admitted also to the court orders custody plans that they all had been following and her boyfriend normally stops returning the children back to the mother on time. She said that her boyfriend get’s upset because he feels that his visitations is not long enough or being cut short. I advised her that he needs to report, if something she is not following the courts order. The children appeared to be fine, as they were returned to the mother ([REDACTED]). After they left, Walter Edwards were transported to Bibb County Sheriff Jail without further incident.
[End of Narrative]