David Yard

Name of Accused:
Yard, David

Date of Arrest:
09/27/2024

Charges For Arrest:
Aggravated Assault, Gun
Pointing A Firearm At Another
Aggressive Driving
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 September 27, 2024, at approximately 1423 hours, a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) was issued by the Whitfield County 911 Center. The caller reported that a male driving a silver Ford vehicle on I-75 southbound, near mile marker 337, had pointed a firearm at her and her passenger while driving erratically and pointing his middle finger at other drivers. The suspect was described as a bald male wearing blue glasses and was allegedly armed with a black handgun, possibly a 9mm.
In response, Deputies from the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office began searching for the vehicle near exit 336 southbound. While en route, Deputy Singleton and his partner, Deputy Rogers, observed a silver Ford driven by a white male with a shaved head and sunglasses, matching the vehicle and driver description. At the time of observation, the subject had his left arm extended out of the driver’s side window, with his middle finger pointed towards approaching traffic, which corresponded with the details provided in the BOLO. Deputy Singleton immediately advised other units over the radio and, with Deputy Rogers, proceeded to follow the vehicle.
The Deputies continued to follow and caught up with the vehicle in the area of Brooker Drive off the North Bypass. They waited for additional units to assist due to the report that the driver was armed. At this time, the driver began switching lanes erratically, appearing to avoid the Deputies. Given the situation, Deputy Singleton initiated a felony traffic stop on Chatsworth Highway near [3300 BLOCK] Chatsworth Highway.
Deputies quickly exited their patrol vehicle, drew their firearms, and issued verbal commands for the male to place his hands out of the window. The male initially complied but then placed his hands back inside the vehicle and made undetermined movements. After repeated commands, the male exited the vehicle and complied with instructions to lift his shirt, turn around, and place his hands on the vehicle.
Once Detective Cooley arrived on the scene, Deputies Rogers and Cooley maintained cover on the Male while Deputy Singleton detained him in handcuffs for investigative purposes. During the investigation, the male was identified as, David Yard (DOB [REDACTED]). Detective Salazar contacted the original 911 caller, identified as [VICTIM #1]. [VICTIM #1] confirmed that David had driven aggressively, tailgating a black SUV and slamming his brakes. When [VICTIM #1] attempted to pass David, he allegedly brandished a black handgun and pointed it at her and her passenger, [VICTIM #2], see Detective Salazar’s supplemental for further details. During the investigation it was also discovered that David was involved in an incident that occurred in March involving another felony traffic stop and very similar circumstances see Rpt# 2024-01673.
Based on this information, Deputy Singleton placed David under arrest. During a search of the vehicle, a black M&P Smith & Wesson pistol, chambered in .380 Auto, with serial number NHX8511, was found inside a black side satchel bag on the passenger seat. The firearm was unholstered, with the bag open and easily accessible. Deputies also located two magazines, one of which was loaded, along with a bullet in the firearm’s chamber. An SD card from David’s in-car camera system was also recovered.
Union Point Towing Company was called to the scene to retrieve the vehicle. Once the vehicle was towed, Deputy Singleton transported David to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he was charged with two counts of aggravated assault (OCGA 16-5-21), two counts of pointing a gun at another (OCGA 16-11-102), and one count of aggressive driving (OCGA 40-6-397). David was then left in the custody of the detention staff.
Deputy Singleton was instructed by Detective Salazar to seize David’s phone, the SD card from the camera system, and the firearm with its magazines and ammunition for evidence. The case remained active for further investigation pending a search warrant. Deputy Singleton was unable to get all of [VICTIM #1] and [VICTIM #2]’s information due to them not answering on a call back so Detective Salazar advised he would follow up on that as well and collect it. Deputy Singleton then cleared the call without further incident.
[End of Narrative]