Benton man facing wanton endangerment charge after being arrested for DUI and illegal possession of a handgun

policeDRAFFENVILLE – A Benton man is facing additional charges after being arrested for DUI and illegal possession of a handgun. According to police reports, Deputies were dispatched to Draffenville in reference to a complaint on a driver. Deputy Barry Howell located the vehicle at the car wash where he made contact with the driver, 55 year-old Billy Griggs.

After conducting field sobriety tests, it was determined the driver was intoxicated and had slurred speech, blood shot eyes, and a strong odor of alcoholic beverages. A handgun was also located in the vehicle and resulted in the charge of illegal possession by a convicted felon.

After being placed under arrest and transported to the Marshall County Detention Center, deputies say Griggs’ demeanor changed. Griggs became agitated and started shouting when Deputy Jailer Bruce Milam attempted to calm him.

Due to his demeanor, Griggs was placed in a holding cell by Deputy Howell and Deputy Milam. At that time, the officers say Griggs began threatening them saying he had a staph infection before pulling a towel out of his pants and throwing it in their direction.

Griggs then pulled down his pants and undergarment and moved toward the officers saying he was going to give them the infection. Despite being told to stop several times, he continued making numerous threats to the officers.

A TASER was eventually deployed. Griggs was additionally charged with first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer.