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Name:
Drake, Larry Darnell
Date of Booking:
03/25/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
RECKLESS CONDUCT
WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – MISDEMEANOR
DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS ON OR NEAR PUBLIC HIGHWAY OR STREET
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.]
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at approximately 0155 hours, I, Officer Warren, was dispatched to [300 BLOCK] Nashview Trail in reference to a reported shots fired and domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, I encountered Mr. Larry Drake in the front yard of the residence. Mr. Drake approached in an aggressive manner, removed his shirt, and advanced toward myself and Liberty County Deputy Arodon (Unit 964). Upon contact, Mr. Drake stated, “I was ready to spray y’all, but y’all came in cool, man.” Based on his behavior, slurred speech, and the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person, Mr. Drake appeared to be highly intoxicated.
Mr. Drake advised that he had been involved in a verbal argument regarding political topics, specifically relating to America and China. He admitted to discharging a firearm but did not specify the direction or location of the shots. He further stated that the argument became physical and that he pushed [VICTIM #1] during the incident.
Deputy Arodon asked Mr. Drake if he had any weapons on his person, to which Mr. Drake responded that he did not. When asked about the location of the weapons, Mr. Drake responded in a dismissive manner but indicated that they were nearby.
While speaking with Mr. Drake on the front lawn, his son, [VICTIM #2], was observed walking in and out of the residence. I then approached the front door to make contact. Upon doing so, I observed [VICTIM #2] seated near the entrance. In plain view, I observed a handgun with an empty magazine resting on a chair near the door, as well as an AR-15 style rifle nearby with a round in the chamber. For officer safety, I immediately secured and cleared both firearms.
At that time, Mr. Drake approached the area despite being given multiple verbal commands to remain back and not interfere. Mr. Drake then grabbed the firearms. Deputy Arodon again instructed him to put the weapons down. Due to Mr. Drake placing his hands on two firearms and failing to comply with lawful commands, I drew my department-issued taser.
Due to Mr. Drake’s aggressive behavior and the potential for further escalation, I requested additional units and a supervisor to respond to the scene. Once additional officers arrived, Mr. Drake was placed under arrest at approximately 0215 hours. While being taken into custody, Mr. Drake actively resisted by locking his arms and refusing to place his hands behind his back. Mr. Drake was ultimately secured in handcuffs, which were double-locked and checked for proper fit.
He was searched both prior to and after being placed in my patrol vehicle, and no contraband was found. During the search, a knife, an empty holster, and a cellular phone were located on his person. The knife was removed for safety. Per Mr. Drake’s request, his personal belongings were left on the porch, with the exception of his cellular phone, which was transported with him to the Liberty County Jail.
While I was effecting the arrest, Deputy Arodon (Unit 964) conducted a records check on the firearms, which returned clear. The firearms were secured. After Mr. Drake was placed in my patrol vehicle, I secured the handgun in an evidence bag, sealed it, and placed it in a locked evidence box in the trunk of my patrol vehicle. Deputy Arodon secured the AR-15 style rifle in the garage at the request of the complainant. Prior to transporting Mr. Drake to the jail, I released the handgun to detectives.
While speaking with Mr. Drake I was under the impression that he fired shots inside the house due to him advising the verbal and physical argument happening in the house and not informing us that he went outside the residence at any point in time. I asked Mr.Drake who was all in the house he advised his wife and kids and then I ask were they okay and yeah advised yes. [VICTIM #2] advised his mother did not want to speak and did not want to come outside. Due to not knowing where the shots were fired or the condition of the wife and kids I then was invited into the residence.
I then made contact with [VICTIM #1] inside the residence after being invited in by another occupant identified as [REDACTED]. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated that she did not want officers inside the residence, and I immediately exited. Ms. [VICTIM #1] later came outside, where I asked her what had occurred. She stated that nothing physical had happened and that the incident was only a verbal argument. She denied that any physical altercation occurred and stated she did not hear any gunshots, advising that she removed herself from the situation and closed Mr. Drake outside.
The complainant, later identified as [VICTIM #3], arrived on scene and pulled into the garage. I made contact with Ms. [VICTIM #3], who advised that she resides at the residence and had been watching the children while Mr. Drake and Ms. [VICTIM #1] were out for the evening. She stated that both parties returned home intoxicated and became involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation when Mr. Drake pushed Ms. [VICTIM #1]. Ms. [VICTIM #3] reported that she attempted to mediate the situation and encouraged both parties to stop due to children being present in the home.
Ms. [VICTIM #3] further stated that as the situation escalated, she attempted to leave the residence. At that time, Mr. Drake retrieved firearms, went outside, and began discharging them while she was attempting to back out of the driveway. Ms. [VICTIM #3] stated she feared for her life, as she did not know the direction in which Mr. Drake was firing. She reported that she backed across the lawn in an effort to leave the area quickly while multiple rounds were being fired.
While speaking with Ms. [VICTIM #3], she showed me text messages from her daughter stating, “Thank you, they are going to call DCFS now.” I reassured Ms. [VICTIM #3] that such actions were not being taken at that time.
I maintained contact with my supervisor prior to and during the incident. I also contacted Assistant Chief Hooker, who instructed me to notify the on-call detective. I made contact with Detective Wyatt, who responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation.
[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:
3/25/26
LARRY DARNELL DRAKE II ARRESTED AND BOOKED IN LIBERTY COUNTY
What this means: Larry Darnell Drake II was taken into custody in Liberty County on this date. He is accused of four separate offenses: Aggravated Assault – Family Violence (a felony under O.C.G.A. 16-5-21), Reckless Conduct (a misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. 16-5-60(b)), Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers – Misdemeanor (O.C.G.A. 16-10-24(a)), and Discharge of Firearms On or Near a Public Highway or Street (O.C.G.A. 16-11-103). These are charges only — Larry Darnell Drake II is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
3/26/26
BOND SET FOR LARRY DARNELL DRAKE II BY MAGISTRATE COURT JUDGE
What this means: Magistrate Court Judge Jimmie R. Barrar signed an Order for Bond setting the total bond for Larry Darnell Drake II at $4,500 cash or $9,000 in property. The order was issued by the Liberty County Magistrate Court and requires Drake to appear at arraignment, trial, and final disposition in Liberty County Superior Court.
3/26/26
SURETY BOND POSTED FOR LARRY DARNELL DRAKE II
What this means: A surety bond — a bond paid through a licensed bail bonding company rather than cash paid directly by the defendant — was posted for Larry Darnell Drake II in the amount of $5,350.00 through Tri-County Bonding. The bond was attested and approved by Liberty County Sheriff William Bowman. Under the terms of the bond, Drake is required to appear before the Superior Court for his arraignment. The court date was listed as TBA at the time the bond was signed.
4/24/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD IN LIBERTY COUNTY MAGISTRATE COURT
What this means: Larry Darnell Drake II appeared before the Liberty County Magistrate Court for his First Appearance Hearing — the initial court proceeding where a defendant is formally informed of the charges against them and advised of their legal rights. At this hearing, Drake was informed of the four charges he is facing: Aggravated Assault – Family Violence (felony), Reckless Conduct (misdemeanor), Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers – Misdemeanor, and Discharge of Firearms On or Near a Public Highway or Street (misdemeanor). The court noted that Drake indicated he can read and write and is able to fill out a Public Defender application. The hearing order reflects that Drake’s right to appointed counsel was addressed. The warrant numbers associated with this case are 26-WF-006164C, 26-WM-006165C, 26-WM-006166C, and 26-WM-006167C.
4/24/26
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF BOND ISSUED FOR LARRY DARNELL DRAKE II
What this means: In connection with his release, Larry Darnell Drake II was placed under Special Conditions of Bond by the Liberty County Magistrate Court. These conditions govern his behavior while out on bond. The conditions that were marked as active include: Drake shall have no contact with the alleged victim and shall not physically abuse or threaten to physically abuse that person. Drake shall not consume alcohol or take or possess any drugs unless lawfully prescribed. Drake shall not possess any firearms on his person or at his residence. The bond amount confirmed in this order is $4,500 cash or $9,000 in property.
4/28/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ROBERT F. PIRKLE ENTERS APPEARANCE; MOTION FOR DISCOVERY FILED IN LIBERTY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
What this means: Attorney Robert F. Pirkle (Georgia Bar No. 580837, of Hinesville, Georgia) formally entered his appearance as the attorney representing Larry Darnell Drake II in Liberty County Superior Court case number SUPR2026000151. At the same time, Pirkle filed a Motion for Discovery on Drake’s behalf — a standard legal request asking the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office to turn over evidence and information the prosecution intends to use in the case. The motion specifically requests items including the list of witnesses and their statements, a copy of the accusation or indictment, the defendant’s criminal history, any scientific expert reports and test results, copies of any scientific reports, and any improperly obtained evidence the defense believes should be suppressed. This is a routine step in the pretrial process that helps the defense prepare for trial.