Athens armed robbery suspect tried to run down police officer with car

By Joe Johnson

The suspect in an armed robbery that happened two months ago at a westside Athens apartment complex was arrested last week after a car chase with police in which he allegedly tried to strike an officer with his car.

According to an Athens-Clarke County police official, the incident occurred the night of Jan. 12 when an officer with ACCPD's Gang Unit spotted a car being driven on West Broad Street by 31-year-old Dontavious D. Carruth and initiated a traffic stop because he knew warrants had been issued for Carruth's alleged involvement in an armed robbery at University Oaks apartments in November.

"Upon making contact with Mr. Carruth the officer ordered him from the vehicle informing him that he had outstanding warrants," Capt. Aubrey Epps said, "Mr. Carruth stated 'nope' and drove away on Sycamore Drive. "

According to Epps, the officer briefly pursued the suspect while other officers set up stop sticks on Sycamore Drive at West Broad Street, where Carruth drove toward one of the officers, causing the officer to dive to safety.

The car did drive over the stop sticks, however, and Carruth stopped his disabled vehicle at Beechaven Church across Broad Street, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

According to the police captain, a search of the car turned up a felony amount of marijuana, digital scales, and ammunition for a pistol.

He was subsequently charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, fleeing and attempting to elude, and motor vehicle law violations that included reckless driving and driving without proof of insurance.

Additionally, Carruth was served with warrants charging him with armed robbery and aggravated assault for the University Oaks incident

He is being detained without bail at the Clarke County Jail.