FOUNTAIN — Officers arrested and charged a 75-year-old Fountain man who allegedly fired several shots at a deputy, according to court records.
Richard Emerson Polous was arrested early Monday after an alleged standoff with a Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputy, according to BCSO arrest records.
Deputy Jeremy Head responded Monday at about 4:30 a.m. to a call that Polous was firing a handgun in a reckless manner and attempting to break into his ex-wife’s home. When Head arrived at Polous’ residence at 19735 U.S. 231, he heard three gunshots come from the front yard.
“They sounded like they were aimed in my direction,” Head reported.
Head had a history with Polous, according to his report. Head said Polous had threatened him three times in the past. So, once the sound of gunfire echoed from the residence, Head took up post in the woods about 30 feet from the home, he reported.
“Once there, I could not see (Polous), so I called out identifying myself and commanding (Polous) show himself and lay the gun down,” Head wrote.
Head then heard a single shot ring out from the home. The bullet struck a tree mere feet away from the head of the deputy, Head reported.
After additional officers arrived just before 5 a.m., Polous came out from where the gunfire sounded. He also had a handgun in his possession, according to his arrest report.
“I knew it was you, Deputy Head,” officers reported that Polous said after coming out. “That’s why I shot.”
Polous was charges with aggravated assault on an officer, discharging a firearm in public and improper exhibition of a firearm.