Man charged with giving false information, possessing drugs

Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department show that the incident occurred in the early hours Wednesday. Shortly after midnight a deputy on patrol reported recognizing a man walking along First Avenue in Lawrenceburg, as an individual against whom the department had active warrants.

The reporting deputy indicates that the man, identified as forty-four year old Ernest Bumpas, Jr., who is homeless, twice gave him a false name. He said that when he told him he believed him to be Bumpas and that he had warrants for his arrest, the man fled on foot, fleeing along Third Street.

During the ensuing foot chase, the deputy reports that Bumpas ignored orders to halt. He deployed his taser in an effort to stop him, but reports that it had no effect due to Bumpas’ baggy clothing.

The officer was able to overtake Bumpas and taken him to the ground, but reports that he struggled in such a manner that he was unable to handcuff him. When another officer arrived to assist, the pair was able to handcuff Bumpas and transport him to the Lawrence County Detention Center.

The reporting deputy indicated that he noticed a plastic baggie that contained a white crystal substance, on the seat beneath Bumpas. The substance, tentatively identified as methamphetamine, had a total weight of .7 grams.

As a result of the incidents, Bumpas was incarcerated on the outstanding warrants, with the added charges of criminal impersonation, evading arrest, resisting arrest, and possession of Schedule II narcotics for the purpose of resale.