JCPD NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: | Felony Arrest | DATE: | 07/12/2017 | TIME: | 5:11am |
PREPARED BY: | Ofc. Adam Miller | APPROVED BY: | SGT C Carney | ||
On 07/12/17, at 1:30 a.m., officers of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Benny Lee Barnum, 40, 2700 Windwood Dr. Apt. 2, Tn. and charged him with 10 Counts of Aggravated Assault, Driving Under the Influence 1st, Driving While Revoked (Multiple), Vandalism Under $1,000, Violation of Implied Consent Law, and Possession of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia.
The arrest stems from an investigation into a call about a white 4-door sedan that struck their vehicle at the intersection of W. State of Franklin St. and W. Walnut St. The victims stated that Mr. Barnum was driving 5mph on W. State of Franklin St. and became upset when they passed his vehicle. The victim and the other four occupants of the vehicle stated that Mr. Barnum was shouting, cursing, and making obscene gestures at them; then he purposely struck their vehicle with his car. The victims followed the vehicle to 2700 Windwood Dr. Apt. 2 where they stated that he exited his vehicle with a tire iron and ran towards them so they had to drive away in fear he would harm them. When officers found Mr. Barnum he was carrying a tire iron and his vehicle had damage on it that was consistent with the damage on the victims’ vehicle. Mr. Barnum was identified as the driver of the white sedan and admitted he had been drinking an alcoholic beverage.
Mr. Barnum was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of a $24,000 bond. An arraignment is set for 07/12/17, in Washington County General Sessions Court.
