Get notified by email when this case is updated.
The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.
Name:
Smith, Kuat Zhaylauhan
Date of Booking:
09/15/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Disorderly Conduct
Criminal Trespass
Giving False Name/dob/address To Officers
Reckless Driving
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 September 15, 2026, while officers were on scene at Walmart, located at 1569 North Expressway, Griffin, Georgia, investigating an unrelated incident, I, MPO M. Towns #3733, along with OFC. M. Harper #4223, was approached by a passerby who reported a male operating a blue power scooter recklessly throughout the Walmart parking lot. The passerby stated that the male had been doing donuts in the parking lot, making lewd gestures, displaying his middle finger toward other persons, and otherwise causing a disturbance.
While speaking with the passerby, I observed the male operating the scooter in the parking lot. I witnessed the male disregard a posted stop sign on the private property and continue through the Walmart and adjoining plaza parking lots at a high rate of speed. I observed the male maneuvering in and out of vehicle traffic and around vehicles traveling through the parking lot.
I then observed the male stop near the end of one of the parking aisles and display his middle finger toward another person. The male then accelerated at a high rate of speed down the primary travel corridor directly in front of the storefronts. While doing so, the male came close to striking several pedestrians. I observed children among the pedestrians present in the area at the time.
The male subsequently left that immediate area of the parking lot. Based upon my observations, I entered my patrol vehicle and made contact with the male near the end of the parking lot. I immediately detained him pending further investigation.
I attempted to identify the male, at which time he provided the last name Smith and identified his first name as “Yerik.” Another officer who was still investigating the unrelated incident recognized the male from a previous encounter. Further investigation determined that the male had provided a false first name and that his actual identity was Kuat Smith, a 24-year-old Asian male.
Upon confirming Smith’s identity, I determined that Smith had previously been criminally trespassed from Walmart on multiple occasions and had previously been arrested for criminal trespass at the location in 2021 and 2022. Smith had previously been advised not to return to the Walmart property. I personally observed Smith operating the scooter on Walmart property during this incident.
Based upon my observations and the subsequent investigation, Smith was placed under arrest and charged with the following:
O.C.G.A. 16-11-39 – Disorderly Conduct
O.C.G.A. 16-7-21(b) – Criminal Trespass
O.C.G.A. 16-10-25 – Giving False Name, Address, or Birthdate to a Law Enforcement Officer
O.C.G.A. 40-6-390 – Reckless Driving
Smith was searched incident to arrest, secured in the rear seat of my patrol vehicle, and transported by the most direct route to the Spalding County Jail without incident. Upon arrival, Smith was turned over to jail staff for processing and further disposition.
Smith’s vehicle was identified as a blue Magnum 50 scooter displaying no license plate. The VIN displayed on the scooter was [REDACTED]. Due to Smith being under arrest and the scooter being stopped within a primary travel lane, Crown Towing responded to the scene. Crown Towing subsequently took possession of the scooter and removed it from the property.
Warrants will be obtained for the above-listed charges, and a supplemental report will be completed documenting the warrant process and any additional information related to this investigation.
My department-issued body-worn camera was activated during this incident and the footage was uploaded in accordance with Griffin Police Department policy.
[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:
9/15/26
KUAT ZHAYLAUHAN SMITH ARRESTED AND CHARGED IN SPALDING COUNTY
What this means: Kuat Zhaylauhan Smith was arrested on September 15, 2026, in Spalding County. According to the Magistrate Court of Spalding County, the defendant is accused of six offenses: Disorderly Conduct — Presence of Person Under 14, Criminal Trespass — Enter Notice, Giving False Name/Date of Birth, Reckless Driving, Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign, and Driving Laying Drags. The arrest was made by Officer Michael Towns. Judge Adam Grubbs of the Magistrate Court of Spalding County set bond at $1,600.00 on the reckless driving charge. The remaining charges did not have bond amounts listed on the commitment order. The case is assigned to the State Court of Spalding County under Case No. 26-005410.
9/19/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD IN SPALDING COUNTY MAGISTRATE COURT
What this means: Kuat Zhaylauhan Smith appeared before the Magistrate Court of Spalding County on September 19, 2026, for a first appearance hearing. A first appearance is typically the initial formal proceeding where a defendant is informed of the charges against them and their rights, and where bond conditions may be reviewed or set by the court.
9/24/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE AND DEMANDS DISCOVERY IN CASE NO. 26FAH1792
What this means: On September 24, 2026, attorney Harry J. Charles of The Jewkes Firm, LLC, formally entered the case as defense counsel for Kuat Zhaylauhan Smith in Spalding County State Court, Case No. 26FAH1792. By filing this Entry of Appearance, the court and prosecution are now required to direct all notices, motions, and filings to Charles. The filing also includes a formal demand for discovery — meaning the defense has officially requested access to all evidence and information the prosecution is required to share under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 17-16-1 et seq.), such as police reports, witness statements, and any other materials relevant to the charges against Smith.