3
1
Charges have been upgraded against a man who authorities say struck an off-duty police officer with a vehicle at his home earlier this week.
Gregory Martin Hill, 54, was initially charged with second-degree assault in the Tuesday attack on Decatur Officer Jack Brown.
On Thursday, police said Hill is now charged with attempted murder.
The incident happened at 5:17 p.m.
Decatur police spokeswoman Irene Cardenas-Martinez said the officer was at his home with his family in the 2200 block of 11th Street S.E. when Hill approached the officer’s residence on 11th Street S.W. in Decatur.
According to charging documents against Hill, Brown noticed a black Jeep Wrangler stationary in front of his home and asked the man – later identified as Hill – if he needed assistance.
Hill began to curse at Brown and then backed out and hit a car on 11th Street.
As Brown made his way to the end of the driveway, Hill attempted to run over the officers and instead struck a tree next to the driveway.
Brown retreated into his home to get his gun and handcuffs, with Hill chasing after him, the affidavit states. The officer exited his residence with his duty weapon and ordered Hill to get on the ground, which Hill refused to do.
“Hill got back into his vehicle and Officer Brown attempted to get him out of the driver’s seat,’’ the report states. “Instead, Hill drove directly into Officer Brown, who discharged his weapon into the Jeep numerous times.”
Brown was pushed almost the entire length of the front yard, police say. Hill then backed up and ran over Brown’s legs.
Hill then exited the vehicle and was subdued by Brown and a civilian who witnessed the ordeal.
Cardenas-Martinez said there appears to no connection between Brown and the suspect.
Brown was taken to the hospital and since has been released.
On Thursday, Morgan County Circuit Judge Charles Elliott who set Hill’s bond at $1 million cash.