BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. — Cassius Hardel Gray was arrested Monday, October 26, after authorities say he fled an attempted traffic stop Friday and later brandished an AR-style rifle from a Bryan County home.
According to an October 26 release from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, Gray was taken into custody without incident at the Pembroke Police Department. He faces three felony charges and a misdemeanor.
The encounter began around 5:30 p.m. Friday, October 23, when a Georgia State Patrol trooper attempted to stop a black Cadillac Escalade on Georgia Highway 119 for an alleged violation of Georgia’s Hands-Free Law.
The sheriff’s office said the driver continued traveling before pulling into a driveway at 5991 Georgia Highway 119 North. Authorities identified him as Gray, who is also known by the alias “Gray Empire.”
Gray allegedly got out despite repeated commands to remain inside the vehicle, claimed to be a federal agent and went into the residence, closing the door behind him.
When the front door reopened a short time later, Gray allegedly brandished an AR-style rifle while chambering the firearm, the sheriff’s office said. The trooper moved away and sought cover.
Officers from state, county and municipal agencies responded. A sheriff’s office negotiator attempted to reach Gray through his known cellphone number as personnel at the scene worked to negotiate his peaceful surrender.
After several hours, Georgia State Patrol command staff decided to obtain arrest warrants and take Gray into custody later under safer circumstances, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office listed the following charges:
- Aggravated assault on a public safety officer — felony.
- Felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer — felony.
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony — felony.
- Unlawful use of a wireless telecommunications device — misdemeanor.
At the time of Monday’s release, Gray was being held at the Bryan County Jail awaiting bond and arraignment hearings.
The charges are allegations. Gray is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Yolonda Harris / News Now Georgia
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