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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Valdosta Police (VPD) said a man began spitting at officers while making derogatory marks during his arrest.

At around 12:40 p.m. on Aug. 20, officers went to Whiskey River Bar & Grill on Gornto Road after employees reported a customer refusing to pay his bill. Police identified the customer as Mark Christopher Norman, 44.

When officers arrived, Norman was contacted and placed under arrest for theft of services.

While walking him to the patrol vehicle, Norman began yelling racial slurs at an officer, then spat in the officer’s face, according to VPD. They said Norman then tried to pull away from officers while still spitting in their direction. As officers tried to control Norman, his face hit the hood of a patrol vehicle. Officers were able to get Norman in the car after struggling with him, according to a VPD release.

Norman was taken to South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) to be treated for a cut to his chin.

“This offender escalated a minor incident into a major incident, and we will not tolerate anyone attacking our officers who are just doing their jobs. His comments and actions towards our officers were disgusting, and I am proud of how our officers handled it.”

After being released, Norman was taken to the Lowndes County Jail and charged with the following:

• Obstruction of an officer - felony
• Theft of services - misdemeanor

Additionally, VPD said Norman had an unrelated active arrest warrant out of Chatham County.

Anyone with information on this incident, or others, is asked to call the VPD Bureau of Investigative Services at (229) 293-3145, the crime tip line at (229) 293-3091, or online.

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