GEORGIA — A Lee County man was arrested Saturday after deputies say he fled from law enforcement while wearing a ski mask and carrying what appeared to be a pistol.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 2:38 p.m. on March 14 to the area of Seminole Avenue and Glendale Road after receiving a report of a suspicious man walking in the area wearing a black ski mask and holding what appeared to be a firearm.
Deputies later located a man matching the description on Glendale Road and ordered him to stop. Authorities say the suspect instead ran from deputies.
During the pursuit, the man ran toward the Publix area, then back toward Glendale Road before crossing onto Creek Drive and Cherokee Drive. Deputies chased him into a wooded area, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators said the suspect attempted to discard items while running. Deputies later recovered a Glock 19 model CO₂ BB pistol and a taser that had been thrown during the chase. Authorities also reported the suspect had a black ski mask and a weapon light compatible with Glock-style handguns.
The suspect was identified as Malik Yoba Lawrence. He was transported to the Lee County Jail.
Lawrence faces several charges, including:
- Loitering and prowling
- Obstruction of law enforcement officers
- Wearing a mask or hood to conceal identity
- Simple assault
- Tampering with evidence
The investigation remains ongoing.
