Benjamin Parker Berry, 40 of Rome, was arrested this week after reports said he nearly killed a police officer after attacking his elderly mother and son at a home on Haley Drive.
Reports said that events began after Berry shoved his 72 year-old mother down on a bed. He then proceeded to swing at and then grab the head of his teenaged son. Berry proceeded to slap a cellphone out of his mother’s hand in an effort to prevent her from dialing 911 for help.
Berry then used a hammer and crowbar to damage the woman’s walls and gun safe.
Officers later discovered Berry sitting outside the home in his car. Berry allegedly ignore officers when he refused to exit the vehicle. Berry then started the car and placed it in drive while the officer was holding onto the steering wheel. Berry proceeded to drive rapidly down the road with the officer attached to the car. After eventually stopping, Berry fled the scene on foot before being captured.
Police added that Berry smelled of alcohol and was found in possession of cyclobenzaprine that was not in its original container.
Berry was then taken to a local hospital so that he could be cleared to be booked at the jail. However while in the hospital, police said he screamed and cursed causing a disturbance to others that were sick.
Berry is charged with two counts simple battery, simple assault, felony obstruction of police, misd obstruction hindering a person making a 911 call, attempting to elude police, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, DUI, drugs not in original container, sale/distribution of dangerous drugs, improper parking.
