Name of Accused:
Collins, John Gunner
Date of Arrest:
10/19/2024
Charges For Arrest:
SIMPLE ASSAULT
PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
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 10-19-24 I, Officer J. Chastain responded to America’s Best Value Inn in reference to a fight in progress. While en route, Dispatch advised there was a black male on scene with a firearm. I requested the assistance of Rabun County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the scene as well.
Once on scene, I observed a black male standing behind the car with a white female. I also seen a white male that appeared to be verbally arguing with the black male and was stepping towards the black male. I exited my patrol vehicle and drew my agency issued firearm and told all individuals on scene to put their hands in the air. All subjects on scene complied and I was able to locate and take possession of the firearm that was on scene. All subjects were then checked for any further weapons.
I then began speaking with [REDACTED] who stated that he was walking to his car with his wife and kids. [REDACTED] stated that when he walked out of the door that the male began staring at him and continued to the whole time. [REDACTED] stated that he then put his bag in the rear of the vehicle and walked to the driver’s side to get in the vehicle. [REDACTED] stated that he then asked the other male if there was an issue. [REDACTED] stated that the male then replied “no but there can be niger” as he started walking towards [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] then told the male he did not want to be called that which the male continued to make racial slurs towards [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] said the male continued to walk towards him while making the racial remarks which [REDACTED] stated that he then pulled a firearm and pointed it towards the male. [REDACTED] stated that he feared for his safety as the male continued to advance towards him. I then spoke with [REDACTED]’s wife [WITNESS ]. [WITNESS ] stated that as she, [REDACTED] and their kids exited the hotel a man began staring at them. [WITNESS ] stated that the man continued to stare the whole time as they walked to car and put their belongings in the car. [WITNESS ] stated that [REDACTED] then asked the other male if there was an issue which he replied, “no but there can be niger”. [WITNESS ] said the male continued to use the racial slur and get in [REDACTED]’s face telling him to fight him. [WITNESS ] stated that she then got between them which she slapped the man in the face to get him to back away. [WITNESS ] stated the male continued towards them when at that point [REDACTED] pulled the firearm and told the male to stay back. [WITNESS ] stated that the male then continued to call [REDACTED] and their kids the “N” word. [WITNESS ] stated that the male was even leaning on her car saying, “I bet you won’t shoot me ni*ger”.
I then spoke with the other male identified as John Collins. Collins was slurring his words while talking to me and I could smell the strong odor of an intoxicating alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. Collins also indicated that he had been in his room drinking whiskey and was not bothering anyone and he went out to smoke a cigarrette. Collins stated that the black male asked him if there was a problem which he then replied “no but there can be” as he walked towards the black male. Collins then stated that the male pointed a gun at him which Collins then stated that he called the black male the N word. Collins said that the male was threatening to harm him so he would use words to threaten [REDACTED]. Collins stated that he did call [REDACTED] a racial slur several times during the argument.
Another subject on scene stated that he walked out the door during the argument and he could loudly hear the male yelling racial slurs at [REDACTED].
We attempted to access video footage; however, the staff of America’s Best Value Inn was unable to log into the camera system. The manager stated that [REDACTED] had been living at the hotel for 3 months and had not caused any problems. The manger stated that when he exited the hotel at the request of [WITNESS ], he said that [REDACTED] was pointing a firearm at Collins, but Collins was using racial slurs.
Based on the evidence provided Collins was placed under arrest for public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and simple assault. Collins was handcuffed behind his back with the cuffs checked for fit and double locked. Collins was then transported to RCDC and turned over to jail staff without incident.
[WITNESS ], [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] provided written statements.
[End of Narrative]