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Bodycam shows apparent assault of Gainesville police officer during arrest

The officer was attempting to arrest a man on trespassing charges when the incident occurred

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A Gainesville police officer was hurt while arresting a man on criminal trespass charges on Saturday.

Eric Pitts faces multiple charges after he apparently used an officer's handcuffs to strike him in the head during an arrest at a HomeTowne Studios in the 1100 block of Jesse Jewell Parkway.

According to bodycam footage released by the Gainesville Police Department, Pitts was seated inside the location when Officer Stephen Lucius approached him, advising him he would have to leave. Lucius said he had already chased him away from an IHOP.

When the officer got Pitts' attention, he told him to put the phone away and leave, otherwise, he'd go to jail.

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As the two walked outside, the officer attempted to talk to Pitts, but Pitts was having none of it. He tried to walk off.

Credit: Gainesville Police Department
Eric Pitts has been arrested after the alleged assault of a police officer in Gainesville, Ga., on Feb. 16, 2019.

"You're going to stay here and talk to me," Lucius said, reaching for Pitts' arm.

Pitts told the cop no once again, so the officer said he was taking Pitts to jail for trespassing. As Lucius attempted to subdue Pitts, Pitts grabbed the officer's handcuffs, apparently striking him with them. Bodycam footage showed blood all over the officer's hands and arms, as well as on the sidewalk below him.

By this point, Lucius had called for backup, which arrived to help place Pitts into custody.

Pitts was charged with one count each of obstruction of justice, criminal trespass, terroristic threats and acts, disorderly conduct and aggravated assault on a police officer.  

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