Man pleads guilty after allegedly elbowing officer during traffic stop; ordered community service and jail credit

Talik Bernard Grant pleaded guilty May 20 in State Court of Clayton County to simple battery on a police officer and obstruction following an April traffic stop, the prosecutor said.

Prosecutors told the court officers initiated a traffic stop at Tiger Way and Traditions Lane, observing Grant fail to stop at a stop sign and driving without insurance. The prosecutor said a confrontation occurred when officers attempted to have a wrecker collect Grant's vehicle; during the disturbance Grant elbowed Officer Khateeb in the side of the head as officers attempted to separate him from the vehicle.

Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted the negotiated plea. On count 1 (simple battery on a police officer) the court sentenced Grant to 12 months with 17 days to serve, credit for time served and the balance probated with 100 hours of community service. The court imposed a $300 fine for obstruction, and suspended fines for the no-insurance and stop-sign counts ($200 and $100 suspended, respectively).

Defense counsel Mr. Lynch asked the court to accept the recommendation. The judge admonished Grant that "you cannot win a traffic argument on the side of the road" and warned that compliance with probation and ensuring valid insurance and licensing are necessary steps to avoid future criminal exposure.

The court directed that counts run concurrent as noted and returned Grant to custody pending processing.