By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
Fugitive Cedrick Hill, 26, was arraigned in Atlanta on a federal charge of assaulting an FBI agent with his truck while attempting to evade arrest during an incident in January in suburban Atlanta. Hill was wanted at the time on federal drug charges, authorities said Thursday.
“The actions of this defendant were reprehensible, with absolute disregard for the life of our agent,” said Murang Pak, acting special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta office in a statement. “The agent was dragged for about a quarter mile at high speeds before the defendant stopped the vehicle due to the defendant’s injuries. Our agent displayed tremendous courage and calm under fire during this very difficult situation. Fortunately, our agent is recovering from his injuries and will have his day in court for this blatant attack on a federal officer.”
A federal grand jury indicted Hill on the charges earlier this month.
The incident happened on Jan. 5 when FBI agents located Hill in the foyer of a hotel in Sandy Springs, Ga. and announced he was under arrest.
Then, according to a press release:
Hill began to put his arms behind his back, but pulled away as the agent began to handcuff him. Hill then allegedly ran through the lobby and exited the hotel with the agent in pursuit. The defendant ran to his truck to escape arrest. The agent attempted to stop him, and became lodged in the driver’s side door.
With the agent dangling from the door, Hill allegedly sped through the parking lot at a high rate of speed and hit another vehicle, crushing the agent at the point of impact and breaking his arm and femur. The agent managed to discharge his service weapon with his free hand, striking Hill twice.
Despite being shot, Hill drove out of the hotel parking lot, crossed Interstate 285, and turned down an access road before stopping the vehicle and releasing the injured agent onto the side of the road. The injured agent managed to call 911 and request medical care for himself and Hill. The defendant drove back to the hotel, where he was treated by first responders and later arrested. The agent remained on the side of the road until he was located by first responders.
