Man with hatchet, clown mask arrested after obstructing officer in Tifton Mall

TIFTON, Ga. – A man carrying a hatchet in the area of the Tifton Mall on Monday, February 16, was arrested after attempting to flee from police.

According to the Tifton Police Department, 37-year-old Joshua Dunkleberger was found wearing all black clothing and a clown mask while in possession of the hatchet. Officers say they also discovered two small baggies that appeared to contain methamphetamine residue.

Dunkleberger initially complied with police orders but then ran into the mall. Officers caught up with him inside, but he continued fleeing back outside, where additional officers assisted in his arrest.

He was taken to the Tift County Jail and charged with obstructing officers. One officer was injured during the chase and was evaluated at Tift Regional Medical Center.

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