Suspect Arrested After Refusing to Sign Citation Accuses Deputy of Theft

A Statham resident told a deputy with the Barrow County Sheriff's Office that a Mason had informed him he didn't have to sign a citation issued by a law enforcement officer, according to an incident report. While citizens can refuse to sign a ticket, that refusal can result in an arrest. 

Howard William Demarcus, 19, of 572 Peter St. in Statham, was arrested March 17, 2013, when he reportedly refused to sign a citation for speeding after a deputy clocked his vehicle traveling 67 mph in a 45 mph zone. According to an incident report, the suspect became confrontational when a deputy attempted to put him in handcuffs. When the suspect refused orders to place his hands behind his back a deputy drew his Taser, at which time the man complied and was placed in the rear of a patrol vehicle. 

Prior to arriving at the Barrow County Detention Center for booking, the suspect accused the arresting deputy of taking money out of his pocket when he was searched. According to the incident report, the suspect also said the next time he was pulled over he would record the incident. 

“I bet y`all mother f------ won`t pull a Tazer on me then," he is quoted as saying.

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