Jarod Hightower

Name of Accused:
Hightower, Jarod Lee

Date of Arrest:
07/30/2024


Charges For Arrest:
CRIMINAL TRESPASS – M
CRIMINAL TRESPASS – M
CRIMINAL TRESPASS – FAMILY VIOLENCE – M
OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS-MISD. – M
WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – M
DISORDERLY CONDUCT – M
DISORDERLY CONDUCT – M
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 7/30/24 at 1225 hours I arrived to Bakers Pride, 840 E DeRenne Ave., in reference to an unwanted person who was aggressively yelling and threatening staff and refusing to leave. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a white t shirt and maroon pants.
Prior to entering the business, I observed the suspect sitting inside at a table making unknown comments to staff behind the counter. I immediately recognized the suspect as Jarod Hightower, as I had dealt with him last week at a business in relative proximity to this location, for similar complaints (CRN 240724066). I entered the business and advised Hightower he had to leave, which he stated he would not leave. I grabbed his backpack that was sitting on the table and began to walk it outside so he would follow, which he did shortly after. I called for a back up officer to respond since Hightower is known to be disorderly and has a history of obstruction with officers. While waiting on back up, I advised Hightower to leave numerous times, all of which he ignored and stated he didn’t have to. I also advised Hightower that once the other officer arrived and he did not comply with our commands to leave, he would be going to jail. It should be noted that a strong odor of alcohol was coming from Hightower’s breath/person as he spoke.
Once Ofc. Solesbee arrived on scene, Hightower was again instructed to leave and did not comply. At this point, I asked the complainant and supervisor of the store, [VICTIM ], if he would like to press charges, which he stated he did. I advised Ofc. Solesbee and we quickly attempted to detain Hightower with his arms behind his back. Hightower had a backpack on his right shoulder at this time and I was able to get a cuff on his right wrist, but he began to pull away and made it difficult to cuff his left wrist. When I reached further under the backpack towards Hightower’s left wrist, Ofc. Solesbee was to my left maintaining control of that side of Hightower, and Hightower was able to free his cuffed right wrist and push his arm to the front of his body.
Hightower was brought to a seated position where Ofc. Solesbee instructed him to get onto his stomach, which he did not comply with and Ofc. Solesbee assisted him in doing. See Ofc. Solesbee supplemental report for further. Once Hightower was on his stomach, I held his left arm behind his back while Ofc. Solesbee brought his right arm behind him so that I could secure the handcuffs on both wrists, double locked. While Hightower was resisting arrest and pulling away while I tried to handcuff him properly, my right ring finger nail was broken off and left sadly on the sidewalk.
Hightower was brought to my patrol vehicle where Ofc. Solesbee ed him prior to placing him in the back seat. Hightower had a business card and $20 bill on his person which was later lodged into the jail along with him.
Sgt. Graff and Lt. Henderson responded.
I spoke with an unidentified white female staff member who stated Hightower did not purchase anything from the business and that he sat at a table yelling and cursing at staff, specifically the supervisor, [VICTIM ], when he asked Hightower to leave. Hightower made comments about being a gangster and that if any of the staff approached him he would “take care of them”. There were also children in the store while Hightower was yelling and cursing, and several customers either did not enter or quickly left due to the behavior of Hightower. [VICTIM ] additionally stated the same behavior from Hightower.
Hightower was medically cleared at Memorial Hospital and transported to CCDC where he was booked for the listed charges.
Hightower’s black backpack was logged into the property room as safe keeping.
[End of Narrative]