Convicted Felon Assaults Officer

Jacob Pedigo

By Jessie Williams

A 35-year-old Westmoreland man was arrested last weekend on multiple charges, including assaulting an officer, after the convicted felon was found to have drugs and a loaded rifle in his possession.

According to a report filed by Sergeant Clinton Friar, of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, the officer was patrolling Highway 52 Bypass West on October 27, 2024, around 12:43 AM, when he observed a white truck parked at a closed gas station with a white, male in the driver’s seat.

While speaking with the driver, later identified as Jacob Pedigo, officer Friar learned that he had a revoked license but admitted to driving to the gas station.

Further questioning revealed Mr. Pedigo had methamphetamine in his right, front pocket, had a weapon located in the vehicle and that he was a convicted felon.

When asked to step outside of the truck and put his hands behind his back, Pedigo refused to do so and began pulling away from the officer.

During the struggle, as Sergeant Friar attempted to detain him, Mr. Pedigo assaulted the officer by hitting him in the head and pushing him with both hands.

Pedigo then attempted to flee on foot, but the officer was able to deploy his taser, which was effective in apprehending him.

A search of the vehicle revealed a .22 caliber rifle located behind the seat with one bullet in the chamber, a glass pipe with a white residue on it and multiple .22 caliber bullets.

Upon further inspection of the rifle, it was apparent the barrel had been sawed off, and it was under 26 inches long (13.5 inches).

Dispatch did confirm Mr. Pedigo’s license was revoked. He was charged with resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, assault against a first responder, possession of methamphetamine, driving on a revoked license, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a prohibited weapon. His bond was set at $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on December 4, 2024.