A 33-year-old Rome man was arrested this week following an incident in which he allegedly assaulted police officers and attempted to take an officer’s firearm, according to police reports. Hector Fernandez is accused of kicking and striking officers while attempting to remove a firearm from one officer with the intent to seriously injure or kill them. Police said Fernandez also made verbal threats, telling officers he was going to shoot and kill them.
Reports state that Fernandez continued to act aggressively after being placed in a patrol car, repeatedly kicking the interior of the vehicle and causing visible damage while refusing to comply with lawful commands.
Officers said the incident began when they were dispatched to a location for a report of a man who was intoxicated in public and using vulgar language in a loud and disorderly manner. During a search, police allegedly found Fernandez in possession of marijuana and two suspected THC vape pens.
Authorities said Fernandez later provided a false name to officers while being questioned at Atrium Health Floyd.
Fernandez now faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, attempted removal of a weapon from a police officer, eight counts of felony obstruction, interference with government property, simple battery against a police officer, possession of marijuana, providing false information to police, and public drunkenness.
