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Name:
McKnight, Robert Taylor IIII
Date of Booking:
04/03/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Aggravated Assault
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 04/03/2026 at approx. 1600 hours I (Ofc. Wilson) responded to 1503 Hwy. 16 (non emergency mode in reference to a person armed with a weapon.
Upon arrival I made contact with store employees who advised they were not sure what was going on. While I was speaking with employees MPO. Bramlett made contact with Mcknight, Robert who stated “I’m the one you’re looking for”. MPO. Bramlett escorted Mcknight outside of the building.
Mcknight stated there were two younger black males who were watching him and starting problems.
I made contact with the store manager [REDACTED] who advised she was unaware of the situation. [REDACTED] advised she would show us camera footage. Upon watching the camera footage I observed Mcknight walk toward the front door of the store, produce a silver in color handgun from his front right pocket and aim it at the front of the store while multiple customers and staff were inside the location. Mcknight is then seen putting the pistol back in his pocket and walking around the back of the building. Mcknight then stows the pistol in his pocket and walks back inside the store.
Mpo Bramlett obtained a victim/ witness statement form From [VICTIM #1] in which she stated Mcknight walked in front of the door at the business and raised a gun with a green laser on it at her and multiple other employees and customers. [VICTIM #1] then wrote Mcknight became irate and stated twice “I cant cash my sh*t? yall dont know me”. [VICTIM #1] stated Mcknight stayed in the store until law enforcement arrived on scene.
Mcknight was then placed under arrest however, due to him only having one arm Mcknight was handcuffed to his belt loop and checked for proper fit.
The pistol that was recovered from Mcknight was placed into evidence.
Mcknight was placed in the back of my patrol vehicle where he was transported to the Spalding county jail using the most direct route. Mcknight was turned over to jail staff.
I spoke with judge Grubbs on 04/04/2026 in regards to obtaining Warrants for Mcknight for aggravated assault.
[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:
4/3/26
ROBERT TAYLOR MCKNIGHT IIII ARRESTED AND BOOKED IN SPALDING COUNTY
What this means: Robert Taylor McKnight IIII was arrested and booked into custody in Spalding County. He is accused of Aggravated Assault, a felony under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21). This is the starting point of the criminal case against him.
4/5/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD — BOND DENIED
What this means: Robert Taylor McKnight IIII appeared before Judge Adam Grubbs of the Magistrate Court of Spalding County for his first appearance hearing. This is the initial court appearance after an arrest where a judge reviews the charges and decides whether to set bond. The court ordered McKnight committed to the Superior Court of Spalding County to answer to the charge of Aggravated Assault under Warrant No. 26-EW-002548. Bond was denied, meaning McKnight was ordered to remain in custody with no option to post bail at that time. The arresting officer on record is Ptl. Cy Wilson.
4/17/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Sameerah Napper, an Assistant Public Defender with the Griffin Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, formally entered her appearance as attorney of record for Robert Taylor McKnight IIII in Spalding County Superior Court, Case No. 26FAH-0669. This means Napper is officially representing McKnight going forward in this case.
5/5/26
PRELIMINARY HEARING CONTINUED TO NEXT DATE
What this means: A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Robert Taylor McKnight IIII on this date before Judge Rita L. Cavanaugh in the Magistrate Court of Spalding County. A preliminary hearing is a proceeding where a judge determines whether there is enough evidence to require the defendant to stand trial. Rather than proceeding, the hearing was continued — meaning it was postponed — to the following Tuesday, May 6, 2026, per a notation signed by defense attorney Sameerah Napper. The State was represented by ADA Jon Richardson.
5/19/26
COMMITTAL ORDER ISSUED — BOND GRANTED IN AMOUNT OF $55,000
What this means: Robert Taylor McKnight IIII appeared before Judge Rita L. Cavanaugh in the Magistrate Court of Spalding County for a bond hearing in connection with his Aggravated Assault (felony) charge under Warrant No. 26-EW-002548, Case No. 26FAH-0669. After hearing evidence, the court issued a Committal Order granting bond in the amount of $55,000. This means McKnight may be released from custody if he or someone on his behalf posts $55,000 or arranges a bond through a bail bondsman. The State was represented by ADA Wendy Carlyle, and defense attorney Sameerah Napper appeared on McKnight’s behalf, with William Imhoff noted as appearing on behalf of the defense as well.
7/1/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD
What this means: Robert Taylor McKnight IIII appeared before the court for a first appearance hearing. At this initial appearance, the judge reviews the charges, informs the defendant of his rights, and addresses bond or release conditions. This hearing establishes the defendant’s presence in the case and ensures he understands the charges against him.
7/20/26
ELECTIONS, NOTICES, PLEAS & PRELIMINARY PLEADINGS FILED
What this means: Court filings related to elections, notices, pleas, and preliminary pleadings were submitted in Robert Taylor McKnight IIII’s case. These are procedural documents that may include notices to the defendant and prosecution, preliminary motions, or initial plea-related filings as the case moves forward in Spalding County Superior Court.
8/5/26
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 AM
What this means: An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for Robert Taylor McKnight IIII at 9:00 AM in Spalding County Superior Court. At an arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and asked to enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). This is a critical procedural step where the defendant’s response to the charges is officially recorded.
10/6/26
MOTIONS, CALENDAR CALL & PLEAS HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 AM
What this means: A hearing has been scheduled for Robert Taylor McKnight IIII at 9:00 AM in Spalding County Superior Court to address motions, conduct a calendar call, and potentially hear pleas. A calendar call is a status check where the court and attorneys confirm readiness for trial or other proceedings. Motions may include requests to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or other legal relief. Pleas may be entered at this hearing if the defendant and prosecution have reached an agreement.
10/12/26
NOTICE OF HEARING FILED
What this means: A notice of hearing has been filed in Robert Taylor McKnight IIII’s case in Spalding County Superior Court, Case No. 26R-236. This document formally notifies the defendant and all parties of an upcoming court hearing. The specific purpose and date of the hearing referenced in this notice would be detailed in the notice itself.