Clinton Public Safety Officer Stephen Lawton was on routine patrol at 3:17 Friday morning when he reportedly observed a vehicle making a left turn onto North Sloan from Jefferson, disregarding the stop sign. The officer turned around and followed, reportedly observing the vehicle speed up and make several turns before stopping at the curb on Jackson Street, colliding with a fence. The driver and lone occupant reportedly then fled on foot. Officer Lawton pulled into the parking lot at the Church of God of Prophecy at 302 Jackson and pursued the subject on foot from there, following he around the church inside a fence before taking him down. 23-year-old Quinton ONeal Godfrey of 101 Pruitt Park, Clinton was booked on charges that included a warrant charging Failure to Stop for Blue Light, and was issued citations charging Simple Possession of Marijuana, Disregarding Stop Sign and Driving under Suspension at 3:20 Friday morning. The warrant alleges that the defendant operated a motor vehicle Friday which failed to stop for blue lights and siren when directed by Clinton Public Safety.
Bonds set on the four charges totaled $7,050. Quinton ONeal Godfrey remained in the Johnson Detention Center.