Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events yesterday, Manuel Lee Norman IV, a 25-year-old resident of Valdosta, Georgia, was taken into custody following an alleged altercation involving both a family member and law enforcement officers. The incident unfolded as Norman reportedly attempted to assault a family member in the presence of police officers before turning his aggression toward the officers themselves.

The confrontation occurred around 11:30 a.m. on January 17, when officers from the Gainesville Police Department were engaged in an unrelated investigation in the 1600 block of SE 12th Place. During their inquiries, Norman unexpectedly charged into the scene, bypassing the officers to confront a family member who was being questioned.

Despite being intercepted by an officer who instructed him to halt, Norman allegedly disregarded the command, pushing the officer aside in a bid to reach the family member. He reportedly attempted to seize the victim by the ankles, seemingly preparing to deliver a punch. However, swift action by an officer prevented him from landing the blow.

Undeterred, Norman is said to have continued his attempts to strike the victim, even as two officers struggled to restrain him. During the scuffle, one of Norman’s punches is alleged to have struck an officer. The situation escalated until officers managed to subdue him, bringing him to the ground where he was finally handcuffed. The altercation resulted in minor injuries for two officers involved.

Norman, whose address is listed as Valdosta, Georgia, has been charged with resisting an officer with violence and domestic battery. He has no local criminal history, and Judge Sean Brewer set bail at $11,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.