Coffee County Man Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Deputy and More

Photo byCCSO

On August 18, 2024, at approximately 8:07 p.m., deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an assault at 1974 Palmetto Road. While en route, dispatch informed officers that one of the suspects was discharging a firearm.

Upon arrival, deputies entered the residence and issued verbal commands to the suspect, William Nugent, to put down his weapon. Nugent was found sitting on the toilet with a Henry Arms .22 caliber rifle beside him. Deputies instructed Nugent not to touch the gun. As a deputy attempted to restrain Nugent by grabbing his left wrist, Nugent reached for the weapon.

A sergeant at the scene deployed his department-issued taser, which made contact with Nugent, prompting him to stand up. Nugent then struck the sergeant in the face.

Another deputy intervened by grabbing Nugent’s arms, but he continued to resist commands to go to the ground. A second taser was deployed, and another deputy tripped Nugent, causing him to fall. He was subsequently handcuffed, with the cuffs checked for proper fit and double-locked. Nugent was read his Miranda rights and chose not to answer questions.

A Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun, with serial number CC13076F, was found at the scene. The shotgun had been fired three times before deputies arrived. A check confirmed that the weapon was not reported stolen. The shotgun was secured in the front seat of the patrol vehicle and locked.

Deputies interviewed a local resident who reported that Nugent’s truck was stuck in a field down the road. The resident had gone to Nugent’s house to assist but was met with aggression. Nugent became enraged, struck the resident in the face, and then caused damage to the resident’s truck, including breaking headlights, damaging the windshield, and denting the hood. The resident declined to press charges.

The resident also reported that Nugent had retrieved a shotgun and fired it into the air, but not at him. The resident had injuries including a bleeding nose, ear, and a suspected broken toe.

A female family member of Nugent reported hearing him assault the resident and laughing while doing so. She locked herself in her bedroom upon hearing the gunfire and remained there until instructed to open the door by deputies.

Another witness stated that Nugent arrived at her house after getting his truck stuck. She drove Nugent to the resident’s house, but Nugent was aggressive towards her, pulling her by the hair and poking her in the face, leading her to leave.

The crime scene was photographed, and EMS evaluated all parties involved. The resident was transported by EMS.

Nugent was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center for evaluation and then to the Coffee County Jail. He was placed on a 48-hour detainer and charged with felony obstruction, reckless conduct, and simple battery.

Attributions: Coffee County Sheriff's Office