Deputies deal with angry Fitts

Grimes County Sheriff Deputies were able to abstain from using excessive force while taking a suspect wielding a knife into custody. Justin Craig Fitts, age 29, remains in the Grimes County Jail on a $76,000 bond facing multiple charges.

Grimes County Patrol Sergeant Steven Siracusa stated a verbal disturbance call between Fitts and his landlord was received at approximately 4:53 p.m. near the 10000 block of Peacock Lane off of Texas State Highway 105, Monday, April 26.

While responding to the scene, Siracusa was told Fitts had a knife and Deputy Wayde Brackin was holding him at gunpoint. Fitts started walking toward Hwy 105 where Siracusa was turning. The suspect continued walking toward Siracusa with knife in hand as Brackin continued holding him at gunpoint.

According to Siracusa the department has had numerous dealings with Fitts and said he [Fitts] was acting “angry and very hostile.” Siracusa also drew his weapon but Fitts continued to walk toward Hwy 105.

Trying to subdue Fitts, Brackin struck him twice with his baton in the shoulder but that just agitated Fitts more.

Once the suspect reached the intersection of Highway 105 and Peacock Lane, there was a brief standoff and Fitts lunged at Brackin. Fitts ran from the scene with Brackin giving chase on foot and Siracusa giving chase in his patrol vehicle.

Fitts jumped over a barbed wire fence and ran back toward the residence. Officers caught up with the suspect who circled a truck numerous times attempting to elude officers with the knife still in hand.

Siracusa stated Fitts lunged toward Brackin again, but this time threw the knife on the ground and was tackled by both officers and taken into custody.

Siracusa said despite dealing with Fitts on numerous occasions, this incident was different due to “how quickly it escalated and was thankful it ended the way it did.”

Fitts remains jailed charged with aggravated assault against a public servant, a first-degree felony; resisting arrest search or transport, a class A misdemeanor; terroristic threat cause fear of imminent SBI, class B misdemeanor; evading arrest detention, class A misdemeanor; and criminal trespass, class B misdemeanor.