Man shot by deputy in 2020 held without bond
A Hamilton County man who was shot by a deputy during a car chase more than three years ago is being held without bond while awaiting trial.
Ronald Andrew Hutson, 54, allegedly fled from a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop Aug. 23, 2020. Hutson drove toward multiple deputies including Jordan Long, who opened fire.
Long was placed on a brief administrative leave following the shooting, and Hutson was charged with several crimes in connection with the incident.
On Tuesday, attorney Robin Flores argued Hutson should have a lower bond than $220,000 because his most serious charge was dropped from the case.
State prosecutors obtained a superseding grand jury indictment that removed Hutson’s initial charge of attempted firstdegree murder and replaced the charge with one count of aggravated assault, Flores said. He is also charged with failure to maintain lanes, driving on a revoked license, evading arrest and reckless driving.
A $220,000 bond is excessive without the attempted first-degree murder charge, Flores said.
“I would submit it is rather high, judge,” Flores said to Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson. “Excessive bond is almost the same thing as denial of bond.”
Hutson has been in custody since last year when his bond was revoked, Flores said. Hutson’s mother called 911 after her son began showing signs of an overdose, Flores said. Authorities found Xanax on Hutson, which he was charged for.
In August 2023, Hutson pleaded guilty to a single count of misdemeanor possession of Xanax in Hamilton County General Sessions Court. He served a jail sentence in that case and should be allowed to post a new bond in this case, Flores said.
“He’s clean when it comes to that,” Flores said. “He’s done what he’s supposed to do and paid his penance.”
Patterson ultimately denied Flores’ motions. Hutson will be held without bond, and his next court date is scheduled for
April 17.
In 2021, Hutson filed a federal lawsuit against Long alleging he was permanently disabled by the shooting and was a victim of excessive force, court filings show. The lawsuit is on pause while both parties wait for Hutson’s jury trial.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment on Long’s employment status.
Hutson has an extensive criminal history and has faced over 50 criminal charges since the 1990s ranging from resisting arrest to aggravated burglary of an occupied home, according to the Hamilton County Criminal Court website.
Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.