Deputies Assaulted After Traffic Stop

By Debbie Gregory

A 29-year old Hartsville man faces multiple charges after assaulting two Macon County Sheriffs Department deputies, following a traffic stop over the weekend on Akersville Road.

 

According to a report filed by Deputy Jason Sells, around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, April 8, he made a traffic stop on the Akersville Road, near the Kentucky State line, on a vehicle that Mr. Jerry R. Clift, of Hartsville, was a passenger in. The driver, Amanda Boyd, had an active Order Grant and Bail against Mr. Clift for aggravated domestic assault.

Deputy Sells stated that he asked Mr. Clift his name several times, and he finally said he was Joshua Scruggs. “I checked with dispatch and they advised there was not anyone by that name,” said Deputy Sells. “I asked him again and he finally confirmed that he was Mr. Clift.”

The report says that dispatch advised that Mr. Clift had an active warrant for his arrest. “Me and Deputy Jacob McClard asked Mr. Clift to exit the vehicle, and once he was out I began to place handcuffs on him,” said Deputy Sells. “He then began to fight Deputy McClard and myself, striking both of us in the face multiple times with a closed fist. He also grabbed Deputy McClard’s throat.

Deputy Sells  states that Mr. Clift attempted to run away through a field and was screaming so loud that neighbors heard what was going on and was disorderly in public. “Mr. Clift was placed under arrest, and after reading him his Miranda Rights, he was transported to the Macon County Justice Center.”

Jerry Ryan Clift was charged with assault on a police officer (2 cts.), aggravated assault on a police officer, criminal impersonation, filing false report, criminal trespassing, evading arrest, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, violation of condition of bond, failure to appear.

Bond was set at $22,500. A General Sessions Court date is set for May 9.