Man Arrested After Police Say He Ran, Gave False Name, Spat on Officer

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man was arrested early Christmas morning after police say he attempted to flee, provided false identification information and later spat on an officer while being taken into custody, according to a probable cause affidavit.

According to the affidavit, a Jonesboro Police Department officer was on patrol around 2 a.m. on Dec. 25 when he observed two individuals running in the area of Spruce and North Church streets. Based on the time of night and the area’s known criminal history, the officer believed the two were attempting to evade police due to possible criminal activity.

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The officer made contact with the individuals and observed Joshua Lee, 22, continue walking before dropping an item behind a sign in the area. Police later identified the item as a liquor bottle.

During the investigation, police said Lee provided a false name and date of birth before his identity was eventually verified. Camera footage confirmed Lee had dropped the liquor bottle behind the sign prior to complying with the officer’s request to stop, according to the affidavit.

Officers gave Lee a portable breath test, which indicated the presence of alcohol. While being taken into custody, an officer reported that Lee spat on him, police said.

Lee was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer or correctional employee, a Class D felony. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of tampering with physical evidence, obstructing governmental operations and public intoxication.

Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety. During the bond hearing, the judge noted Lee has prior charges for theft and aggravated assault.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.