A 22-year-old Pensacola man, Jamal Thompson, was arrested Monday night following a drive-by shooting and a violent confrontation with police during which he allegedly grabbed an officer’s Taser.
Thompson faces a long list of charges including firing into a dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts), unlawful concealed carry, obstructing police, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, displaying a firearm during a felony, providing false identification, marijuana possession, and damaging property.
The charges stem from a June 29 shooting on Majors Road in Escambia County. Police say the incident followed an argument between Thompson and the victim over an Apple Watch. Later that day, Thompson allegedly arrived at the victim’s residence, exited a vehicle, and fired approximately eight rounds at the home before fleeing. The shooting caused $700 in property damage.
On Monday at around 9:30 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop at Spring and Jordan streets for a violation. Thompson, seated in the passenger seat, initially gave officers a false name. When his real identity was confirmed, officers discovered he had an active warrant related to the shooting.
As police attempted to arrest him, Thompson reportedly resisted and ran, prompting officers to take him to the ground. According to the arrest report, while struggling, Thompson grabbed an officer’s department-issued Taser from its holster. Officers responded by delivering several punches to his head in an effort to subdue him. Thompson allegedly grabbed one officer’s arm and also struggled with a second officer before being detained.
After the arrest, police found Thompson in possession of a stolen Glock 26 handgun and 8.9 grams of marijuana.
He is currently being held in Escambia County Jail on a $258,000 bond.
