Man Accused Of Starting Mall Stampede Has Charges Bound To Grand Jury On Run-Ins With Police

  • Tuesday, June 19, 2018
David Ballard
David Ballard

A teen whose actions led to a stampede at Hamilton Place Mall in February had a host of charges bound to the Grand Jury on Tuesday after two recent run-ins with police.

David Ballard, 18, appeared before General Sessions Court Judge Christie Sell.

Ballard earlier was given two years probation after pleading guilty to the mall incident in which he pulled a gun, sending shoppers into panic mode in February. He has been banned from Hamilton Place Mall.

An officer said on May 24 he spotted Brandon Cannon, who was wanted for murder, leaving an apartment on the Westside. He said after Cannon was taken into custody, a search was made of the residence. Ballard was found upstairs hiding in a bedroom closet.

The officer said Ballard tried to slip his handcuffs, then pushed an officer and began running. He said Ballard was yelling and bringing out a crowd of Westside residents.

It was testified that Ballard kicked one officer in the leg and tried to strike another's chin with his head.

While flailing on the hood of a patrol car, he told one detective, "I'm going to pop you when I get out."

That incident, witnesses said, came after an earlier run-in between Ballard and an officer at Emma Wheeler Homes.

An officer said he spotted Ballard at the complex and confirmed that he was on the no trespass list.

He said Ballard refused to sign a citation to court. He said he wound up in a chase of Ballard, who finally got away while cutting off a GPS device he was wearing during his probation.

The officer said when Ballard fled he searched a car that had been occupied by him and his mother. He said he found a fully loaded 40 caliber handgun as well as - under the seat - a 9 mm with 19 rounds.

Police said Ballard went on Facebook Live and confirmed those were his guns.

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