Jawun Lankford

Name:
Lankford, Jawun

Date of Booking:
11/24/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Aggravated Assault by Strangulation

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 11/22/2025, I, Deputy S. Benson, was dispatched to a Dispute at 7951 Villa Rica Hwy, Wings and Burgers Factory. In reference to two employees actively engaged in a physical altercation. As a result, I later obtained a warrant for Aggravated Assault by Strangulation on Jawun Lankford.

Before my arrival, the complainant informed dispatch that the suspect fled in a grey Dodge Charger. The direction of travel the charger left was east onto Ridge Road. Both Deputy J. Langston #1382 and I kept a lookout for the vehicle on the way to the call. Both units arrived on scene and did not observe any charger coming across our path.

Upon arrival, the complainant, [WITNESS #1], met Deputies outside and began trying to show the video of the incident. [WITNESS #1] was the manager on duty at the time of the incident. [WITNESS #1] explained how the suspect, Jawun, has been a constant problem. I had concerns about the victim, [VICTIM #1], and wanted to see him. [WITNESS #1] was able to tell [VICTIM #1] to come out from the kitchen so he could speak to us. I asked him what happened. Deputy Langston continued to speak with [WITNESS #1].

[VICTIM #1] explained to me how he had cleaned up in the kitchen and wanted to start cooking the rice. [VICTIM #1] further explained how Jawun was telling him to continue cleaning and that he didn’t need to cook. [VICTIM #1] informed me that he no longer wanted to clean, and he had done all the cleaning that needed to be done.

Both [VICTIM #1] and Jawun began yelling at each other, and it began to escalate. The other employees on scene told the two guys to stop arguing in front of the customers and to take it outside. [VICTIM #1] explained how he threw his stuff down and just walked away from the argument. However, Jawun followed [VICTIM #1] and then wrapped his arm around [VICTIM #1]’s neck. Fortunately, one of the co-workers on scene captured the incident on video. The video was added to the Sheriff’s Office I-Drive. After Jawun wrapped his arms around [VICTIM #1]’s neck and began dragging [VICTIM #1] by his neck.

When speaking to [VICTIM #1], I asked him if he at all felt like he couldn’t breathe. [VICTIM #1] explained that he felt he was close to blacking out, feeling the pressure applied to his neck. [VICTIM #1] also felt his breathing in fact, restricted. I then asked [VICTIM #1] if he’d be willing to complete a witness statement form, and he informed me that yes, he would. I also asked [VICTIM #1] if he would be willing to let Metro check out his neck, and he informed me that yes, he would.

The witness, [WITNESS #2], is the party that videoed the altercation. [WITNESS #2] informed me of the same of that [VICTIM #1] described about the incident. [WITNESS #2] described [VICTIM #1] and Jawun arguing about the same of that [VICTIM #1] described. [WITNESS #2] even explained how [VICTIM #1] walked away, and Jawun followed him, and Jawun placed his hands on [VICTIM #1] first. [WITNESS #2] explained she followed to record the incident, due to no cameras being in that corner of the building. I asked [WITNESS #2] if she would be willing to complete the witness statement form, and she informed me yes. Both witness statement forms were added to the report for reference.

[WITNESS #1] explained to me that after Jawun finally let go of [VICTIM #1], he grabbed his belongings and clocked out. I stood by with both [WITNESS #2] and [VICTIM #1] while they completed the witness forms, and Deputy Langston was obtaining information on the suspect. Metro arrived on scene and checked out [VICTIM #1], informing him that if the pain got worse to go to the hospital.

Deputy Langston and I discussed going to Jawun’s residence to arrest him, as I already had probable cause and a witness with video. Deputy Langston informed me that he had called Jawun’s mother, who informed him that Jawun was, in fact, at the residence. Deputy Langston informed Jawun’s mother that we were coming to speak to Jawun, and she informed him that Jawun would be waiting.

Deputy Langston, Deputy A. Valentine-Nelson #1307, and I went to the residence of [10 BLOCK] Jenette Court. At the residence, Deputy Langston and Deputy Valentine-Nelson both attempted numerous times at the front door, knocking. However, no one would answer the door. Deputy Langston tried calling Jawun’s mother, and after numerous attempts, she would no longer answer the phone.

I informed supervision, and was directed to just go and obtain the warrant. I was able to secure the warrant of Aggravated Assault by Strangulation signed by Judge Johnson. I turned the original warrant forms into the warrant and civil division and provided the night shift Lieutenant a copy of the warrant forms.

[End of Narrative]