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Name:
Griggs, Bakari Deungelo
Date of Booking:
05/04/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Consumption/Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in Passenger Area
DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (less safe)
Driving while License Suspended or Revoked – 1st Offense
Simple Battery Against Police Officer/LE Dog/ Corrections or Detention Officer
Willful Obstruction or Hinderance of Firefighter by Use of Threats or Violence-Felony
Violation Probation – Felony
Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers-Misdemeanor
False Imprisonment
Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers-Misdemeanor
Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers-Misdemeanor
Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers-Misdemeanor
Consumption/Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in Passenger Area
Driving while License Suspended or Revoked – 1st Offense
DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Multiple Substances
DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (less safe)
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[NARRATIVE #1 on May 03, 2026]
On May 3rd, 2026, at approximately 2321 hours, I (Deputy Wright S122) responded to the intersection of Carriage Dr/Grant Ct in reference to a domestic dispute. The text of the call stated that the caller was assaulted by her boyfriend and she drove away from the house to call 911. Upon my arrival, I met with the complainant, [VICTIM #1].
I spoke with [VICTIM #1] and asked her to explain what happened. It should be noted that [VICTIM #1] was very intoxicated during our encounter. [VICTIM #1] stated that she had gotten into a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Bakari Griggs. She stated they were together drinking at his house, [300 BLOCK] Tanners Bridge Rd. [VICTIM #1] said that she took Bakari to the store to get more alcohol and when they got back home, he yelled at her to “sit the f*ck down”. [VICTIM #1] said that this upset her so she got into her 2023 Kia Soul [REDACTED] and tried to leave.
While sitting in the driver’s seat, [VICTIM #1] alleged that Bakari pulled open her door and attempted to pull her out of the car. She said he was pulling on her arms and hair, trying to get her out of the vehicle and not allowing her to leave. At some point while Bakari was trying to pull her out of the car, [VICTIM #1] stated he used an open hand and slapped the back of her head. She said that [VICTIM #1] also threw a beer bottle onto her car. There was some liquid across the windshield and door of [VICTIM #1]’s car.
[VICTIM #1] then left the residence in her car and drove to the intersection of Carriage Dr/Grant Ct to call 911. While speaking with [VICTIM #1] I did not observe any fresh injuries. She had multiple bruises which appeared to have been already present for days. [VICTIM #1] stated that these bruises were all from previous domestic incidents with Bakari that she did not report. [VICTIM #1] requested to be treated on scene by Barrow County EMS. I provided [VICTIM #1] with a family violence brochure. [VICTIM #1] was later picked up and taken home by a family member. While on scene with [VICTIM #1] she stated that Bakari was going to be combative with law enforcement if we arrived. She also mentioned that he had firearms in his possession but she was unsure where they were in the house. [VICTIM #1] said Bakari was the only person in the home.
Through a search of our CAD system, I was able to identify Bakari Griggs. Upon running his name and date of birth through GCIC, I discovered Bakari had an active warrant for his arrest out of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office for a felony probation violation. I later changed locations to [300 BLOCK] Tanners Bridge Rd to attempt to speak with Bakari about this incident. I knocked on the front door several times and made announcements it was the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.
While I was standing at the front door, I saw a person open the blinds (if facing the house, the window directly to the left of the front door with an AC unit). This person retreated further into the house and continued to refuse all verbal commands to exit the residence. At this point several other deputies responded and assisted with surrounding the residence and continued making call outs for Bakari to exit the residence.
While other deputies continued to make call outs to Bakari, I spoke with [VICTIM #1] to obtain further information. [VICTIM #1] stated that Bakari was in the residence alone and he was not going to come outside, and if he did, he would be combative with law enforcement. She told me his bedroom was the windows directly to the left of the front door, with the AC unit. Which is the same window I saw someone look out through the blinds. [VICTIM #1] also said that she knew Bakari was in possession of at least two firearms, a “12 and 9”. [VICTIM #1] said that the shotgun was near the laundry room/kitchen but she was under where he kept the pistol.
While deputies continued to hold a perimeter, Investigator Cruz was contacted to obtain a search warrant for Bakari’s person and the residence. While waiting for the search warrant, Deputy Sanson was holding the rear of the residence. While watching the back, Deputy Sanson saw Bakari open the back door and attempt to come outside. When he was confronted by Deputy Sanson, Bakari ran back inside of the residence. Deputies continued to hold a perimeter, until Investigator Cruz secured a search warrant.
Once the search warrant was secured, Lt. Guest, Deputy Simmons, and I approached the front of the house to the window of Bakari’s bedroom. Lt. Guest removed the AC unit from the window and Bakari was lying on the bed, up against the window. He was given verbal instructions to exit through the window, which he did. Once outside of the window I attempted to place Bakari in handcuffs. He immediately began to tense his arms and pull them away from me. After a brief struggle, he was placed in handcuffs behind his back (double locked and checked for fit) and searched incident to arrest.
I walked Bakari to my patrol vehicle where he passively resisted by not wanting to get inside of the patrol vehicle. Once he sat inside of the vehicle, he would not place his feet inside for the door to be closed. I had to grab his legs and force them inside of the vehicle to close the door. Once inside of the vehicle I transported him to the Barrow County Detention Center where he was released to the jail staff. While I was at the jail, other Deputies on scene conducted the search for the residence in relation to the search warrant.
Because Bakari did confine and detain [VICTIM #1] by opening her car door and trying to pull her out of the vehicle, as she attempted to leave a domestic incident, without legal authority. I developed probable cause to place him under arrest for False Imprisonment. Because Bakari refused to exit the residence and speak with me when I first made contact, and then when he later ran back inside the residence after Deputy Sanson, I developed probable cause to place him under arrest for obstruction.
I later obtained warrants from the on-call magistrate judge against Bakari. These warrants were later turned in at the jail.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on May 04, 2026]
On Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 2014 hours, I met with [VICTIM #1] at her home, [700 BLOCK] Ridgeland Rd, regarding a follow-up with new information she remembered from the Domestic Dispute.
She said she wanted to add to the report that Bakari had placed a knife against her neck while grabbing her and telling her “Bit*h, you are not going anywhere!” She said that interaction happened at her first attempt to exit the residence, but she was able to leave after, which is when the rest of the incident occurred. She said the knife was a kitchen knife with a wooden handle and a three-inch blade. She said Bakari threw the knife into the sink after he put it against her neck.
I inspected her neck where she said he put the knife but there was no cut or mark visible. She then completed a written statement adding the new testimony. No new charges will be taken due to a lack of probable cause.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
6/12/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO SET BOND
What this means: Attorney Mary Peppers filed a Bond Motion on behalf of Bakari Deungelo Griggs in the Barrow County Superior Court on June 12, 2026, under case number 26-PI-283. The motion asked Judge Crawford to set a bond, arguing that Griggs is not a flight risk and does not pose a risk to witnesses or the community. Filing a bond motion is a formal request asking the court to allow the defendant to be released from jail while the case is pending, either with no payment or by posting a set amount of money as a guarantee that he will return to court.
6/26/26
JUDGE DENIES BOND FOR BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS
What this means: Bond was denied for Bakari Deungelo Griggs on June 26, 2026, in the Barrow County Superior Court in cases 19-CR-1306-M, 23-CR-475-M, and 26-PI-283. The court found that Griggs poses a significant risk of fleeing from the jurisdiction or failing to appear in court when required. With bond denied, Griggs remained in custody with no option for release while the case moved forward.
7/10/26
ACCUSATION FILED — 2 COUNTS AGAINST BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS
What this means: District Attorney J. Bradley Smith filed a formal accusation against Bakari Deungelo Griggs in the Barrow County Superior Court on July 10, 2026, under case number 26-CR-300-C. An accusation is a charging document — similar to an indictment — that formally brings criminal charges without requiring a grand jury. Griggs is accused of two offenses allegedly occurring on or around May 3–4, 2026, in Barrow County.
Count 1 charges Bakari Deungelo Griggs with Simple Battery under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23(f), accusing him of intentionally making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with a person in his household.
Count 2 charges Bakari Deungelo Griggs with Obstruction of an Officer under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-24(a), accusing him of knowingly and willfully obstructing Deputy Sanson of the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office in the lawful discharge of his official duties by refusing to follow commands.
7/10/26
BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT AND ENTERS GUILTY PLEA
What this means: On July 10, 2026, Bakari Deungelo Griggs, through his attorney Mary Peppers, waived his right to a formal arraignment in the Barrow County Superior Court under case number 26-CR-300-C. He also entered a guilty plea to the charges in the accusation filed that same day. By waiving arraignment, Griggs bypassed the initial court appearance where charges are typically read and a plea is entered, and instead proceeded directly to sentencing. The District Attorney’s office is represented by J. Bradley Smith.
7/10/26
BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS SENTENCED ON 2 COUNTS — CASE 26-CR-300-C
What this means: On July 10, 2026, Bakari Deungelo Griggs was sentenced in the Barrow County Superior Court under case number 26-CR-300-C, February Term 2026, following a negotiated guilty plea to both counts in the accusation. The First Offender checkboxes on the sentencing form are not checked, so this is a standard guilty plea and conviction — not a First Offender disposition.
Count 1 — Simple Battery: Guilty. Sentenced to 12 months, with a $200 fine plus surcharges. This sentence runs concurrent with case 23-CR-475-M.
Count 2 — Obstruction of an Officer: Guilty. Sentenced to 12 months, consecutive to Count 1.
The total sentence is 24 months. The entire sentence is to be served on probation, provided Griggs complies with all conditions of probation imposed by the court. Griggs receives credit for time served in custody from May 4, 2026. The plea was negotiated.
7/10/26
BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS ENTERS DRUG COURT AGREEMENT — BARROW COUNTY
What this means: On July 10, 2026, Bakari Deungelo Griggs signed a Drug Court Agreement in the Barrow County Superior Court under case numbers 26PI283 and 23CR475M, with 26-CR-300-C also referenced. Participation in the Barrow County Drug/Mental Health Court Program was made a condition of his sentence. By signing, Griggs agreed to comply with program rules including: paying $150 per month in Drug Court fees plus a $75 curriculum fee; submitting to drug testing; maintaining full-time employment or an approved arrangement; abiding by a daily curfew; not using alcohol or illegal drugs; not possessing firearms; not leaving Georgia without permission; reporting any law violations immediately; and waiving his Fourth Amendment rights to allow searches of his person, residence, vehicle, and belongings without a warrant. The program can last between 18 and 36 months. Additional conditions and requirements are also part of the agreement. Failure to comply with any term can result in termination from Drug Court and return to the sentencing court. The agreement was signed by Griggs, attorney Mary Peppers, and Drug Court staff member Kris DePaolo.
7/10/26
COURT ORDERS BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS TO PAY PUBLIC DEFENDER FEES
What this means: On July 10, 2026, the Barrow County Superior Court issued an order requiring Bakari Deungelo Griggs to pay public defender fees as a condition of his probation, under case numbers 23-CR-475-M, 26-PI-283, and 26-CR-300-C. Because Griggs used the services of the Circuit Public Defender, the court ordered him to pay a $50 public defender application fee and a $100 public defender services fee — a total of $150. Payment is required within 90 days of the order, or within 90 days of release from confinement if Griggs is still incarcerated at that time. These fees are monitored by the probation office as a condition of probation.
8/5/26
BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS FOUND IN VIOLATION OF DRUG COURT CONDITIONS
What this means: On August 5, 2026, the Barrow County Drug/Mental Health Court Program found that Bakari Deungelo Griggs had violated the conditions of the program. The specific nature of the violation is not detailed in the order, but the finding triggered the next steps in the court’s response process, including a termination hearing.
8/6/26
COURT ORDERS BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS TO REMAIN INCARCERATED PENDING TERMINATION HEARING
What this means: On August 5, 2026, the Barrow County Superior Court issued an Order to Remain Incarcerated — filed August 6, 2026 — for Bakari Deungelo Griggs under case numbers 26-CR-300-C, 26-PI-283, and 23-CR-475-M. The order states that Griggs entered a guilty plea and was accepted into the Barrow County Drug/Mental Health Court Program, but was found to be in violation of program conditions on August 5, 2026. The court ordered Griggs to remain in custody until a termination hearing scheduled for August 13, 2026. A handwritten note on the order indicates Griggs may be allowed to take prescribed medications while incarcerated.
8/13/26
BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS ADMINISTRATIVELY DISCHARGED FROM DRUG COURT
What this means: On August 13, 2026, the Barrow County Superior Court issued an order administratively discharging Bakari Deungelo Griggs from the Barrow County Drug Court Program under case numbers 26-CR-300-C, 26-PI-283, and 23-CR-475-M. The order states that Griggs is currently under the care of a pain management provider and is taking narcotics and mood-altering drugs for a medical issue, which the Drug Court determined makes him inappropriate for the program at this time. The discharge is administrative — meaning it was not solely a disciplinary termination — but Griggs is no longer a participant in the Drug Court Program as of this date.
8/13/26
SENTENCE AMENDED FOLLOWING DRUG COURT DISCHARGE — BAKARI DEUNGELO GRIGGS
What this means: Also on August 13, 2026, the Barrow County Superior Court issued an Amended Sentence for Bakari Deungelo Griggs under case numbers 23-CR-475-M and 26-CR-300-C. Following his administrative discharge from Drug Court, the court modified his sentence to remove the requirement that he participate in and complete the Drug Court program. All other special conditions of his sentence remain in effect. Attorney Mary Peppers signed the order on behalf of the defendant.