JONES COUNTY – A 43-year-old man was arrested Thursday after authorities say he threatened active shooter incidents at two Eastabuchie businesses and later attacked deputies with a sword.
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department said deputies responded to a residence in Eastabuchie after receiving a report that Lonnie Lankford was both suicidal and homicidal.
Authorities said Lankford had threatened an active shooter event at two businesses in the community.
Deputies located him at a residence, where he barricaded himself inside a bedroom and refused repeated commands to surrender.
Members of the sheriff’s department and command staff attempted to negotiate with Lankford but were unsuccessful.
Deputies eventually breached the bedroom door. Authorities said Lankford immediately attacked the entry team with a large sword.
Sgt. Jared Hutto, who was leading the entry team, was carrying a ballistic shield that absorbed the brunt of the sword strike, according to the sheriff’s department.
Capt. JD Carter then used a Taser on Lankford, ending his resistance and allowing deputies to take him into custody.
Lankford was charged with terrorist threats and disorderly conduct. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
The sheriff’s department said the sword had a 27.5-inch blade and measured 40.5 inches overall.
“In my twenty plus years in law enforcement, I’ve never faced a subject armed with a sword and attempting to strike me with it,” Carter said.
No deputies were reported injured.
Lankford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
