LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man Saturday after deputies said he was seen wearing a black ski mask and carrying what appeared to be a pistol.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were called to the area of Seminole Avenue and Glendale Road at 2:38 p.m. on March 14 after a report of a suspicious male walking around wearing a black ski mask and holding what appeared to be a pistol.

Deputies located the man on Glendale Road matching the description and gave verbal commands for him to stop. The sheriff’s office said he ran instead.

The suspect ran toward the Publix area, then back toward Glendale Road before crossing onto Creek Drive and Cherokee Drive, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies chased the man into a wooded area, where they took him into custody without further incident.

Evidence recovered

During the chase, the suspect attempted to discard evidence, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies searched the area between residences on Creek Drive and found a Glock 19 Model CO₂ BB pistol and a taser the suspect had thrown while running away.

The sheriff’s office said the suspect was also in possession of a black ski mask and a weapon light compatible with Glock-style handguns.

The suspect was identified as Malik Yoba Lawrence. He was taken to the Lee County Jail and charged with:

• Loitering and prowling
• Obstruction of law enforcement officers
• Wearing mask, hood, or device to conceal identity
• Simple assault
• Tampering with evidence

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