Michigan man arrested for fleeing disturbance, spitting on deputy
A Michigan man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly fleeing on foot from the scene of a disturbance and spitting on a Garland County sheriff’s deputy.
Matthew William Johnson, 28, who lists a Holland, Mich. address, was taken into custody around 2:45 p.m. and charged with a felony count of aggravated assault on a certified law enforcement officer, punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of fleeing on foot and first-degree criminal mischief, each punishable by up to one year in jail.
Johnson remained in custody Thursday on $4,500 bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District
Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Sgt. Josh Cannon and Deputy Tyler Wagner were dispatched to
133 Monica St. in reference to a disorderly person causing a disturbance.
A man, later identified as Johnson, in the 100 block of Monica Street began running in the other direction, toward Murphys Terrace, after seeing the deputies.
Cannon caught up with Johnson at the intersection of Murphys Terrace and South Moore Road and detained him, but Johnson fled again while in handcuffs.
Wagner and Deputy John Youngblood caught up to Johnson in the 200 block of South Moore Road after Johnson headbutted a passing vehicle, causing damage to the window and hood.
After being detained a second time, Johnson reportedly became aggressive and spat in Youngblood’s face.
Once at the detention center, Johnson told deputies his name was Santa Claus and refused to provide any information. Officers found a wallet left behind at the Monica Street residence and were able to positively identify him as Johnson.