Helen man arrested after threatening to kill an off-duty deputy

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — A Helen man was arrested Saturday after he reportedly threatened to kill an off-duty deputy.

Lumpkin County Sheriff’s deputy Corey Morgan said he was contacted by Jacob Smith, an off duty deputy, who reported that Richard Kevin Ritz, 50, threatened to kill him.

According to the incident report, Morgan made contact with Ritz who was walking in and out of traffic near the roundabout on Hwy. 115 and creating a traffic hazard. The deputy said the man acted paranoid and appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine.

When questioned, Ritz admitted making the threat and refused do follow the deputy’s command to empty his pockets and place his hands behind his back. When he continued to ignore commands, he was tased and handcuffed.

In searching the man’s pocket, deputies recovered five white pills suspected to be oxycodone, one yellow unmarked pill and what appeared to be methamphetamine wrapped in plastic.

Morgan requested Lumpkin County EMS respond to check on Ritz safety before he was transported to the Lumpkin County Detention Center.

 

 

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