Holly MatkinCharleston, SC – A convicted felon carrying drugs and a handgun said he regretted having not shot police when they took him into custody after a disturbance at a local bar, according to investigators.
The incident occurred at the Taco Mac bar and restaurant in the early morning hours of May 5, The Newnan Times-Herald reported.
Witnesses said a man came into the business with a pistol in his waistband and began cursing and yelling at employees and customers, resulting in someone calling police.
He was later identified as convicted felon Justin Laron Knight, The Newnan Times-Herald reported.
When officers arrived at the scene, Knight allegedly balled up his fist and charged towards them while continuing his vulgar tirade, according to investigators.
At one point, Knight allegedly started poking an off-duty deputy in his chest.
Officers moved in and grabbed the suspect’s arm, at which point he attempted to reach for the gun hidden in his waistband, according to police.
The officers were able to prevent him from reaching the weapon and took him to the ground, The Newnan Times-Herald reported.
Knight was subsequently taken into custody.
Investigators said they located a Glock 19 handgun, cocaine, and marijuana on the suspect while they were searching him.
Knight was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation, where he allegedly told officers that he should have just shot them, The Newnan Times-Herald reported.
“I should’ve went on and blowed y’all,” he declared, according to police.
Knight was booked into the Coweta County Jail on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, obstruction of officers, disorderly conduct, going inside guard line with weapon/liquor/drugs, marijuana possession, and narcotics possession, The Newnan Times-Herald reported.
His bond was set at $3,000.
