Lawrenceburg Now

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Corrections Officer Charged With Falsely Claiming To Be A Policeman

   A local corrections officer was arrested Wednesday for allegedly walking around armed in a Lawrenceburg neighborhood, claiming to be a policeman.

   Officers with the Lawrenceburg Police Department were summoned to investigate the matter shortly before 9:30 p.m. in the vicinity of 1804 Liberty Avenue. Residents reported that the man, dressed in shorts and a black T-shirt, was wearing a holster and sidearm.

He was reportedly walking about the area, claiming that he was a police officer and stating that he was “looking for someone.” Complainants reported that “several children there were saying the same thing.”

   While speaking with residents, officers report a man came from between two houses, walking toward them. Officers report they recognized the man as Cameron Ayandai, LaBarius Chatman, 19, of 1319 Riley Hill Road, Pulaski, who at the time was employed as a corrections officer at the Lawrence County Detention Center.

   Officers noted as he approached that Chatman was unarmed. When questioned, he repeatedly denied having been in possession of a firearm.

   Officers indicate they were able to follow Chatman’s footprints in the wet grass behind the homes and up a hill to an outbuilding. They found a Model 33, Glock .357 in a Foster holster lying beside the building. They discovered that the gun was loaded with 10 live rounds in the magazine.

   When Chatman was confronted with the gun, officers indicate he admitted ownership. As a result of the incident Chatman was placed under arrest and transported to the jail.

   Chatman was booked under charges that include criminal trespassing, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and giving false information to police officers. He will answer the charges in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on August 5, 2011.

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