Polk County Police apprehended a Rockmart man after he was found with a gun while he was unlicensed.

According to reports:

Melinda Graves, 26 of 1144 Hutchings Mtn. Rd, was at the Rockmart Police Department with her husband, David Graves, 27. Patrolman Michael McGee arrived at the police department and saw a burgundy pick-up truck and a burgundy Honda Accord in the parking lot. As he pulled into the police department, McGee noticed a white male in camouflage leaning against the passenger window of the Accord. McGee stepped out of his vehicle and instructed the subject, David Graves, to place his hands in the officer’s sight.

Approaching Graves, McGee could see an empty holster hanging from the suspect’s shoulder strap and a Buck knife on his right hip. Seeing the weapon, the officer ordered Graves to place his hands on the vehicle; for officer safety, Graves was placed in handcuffs and searched.

After Graves revealed the gun’s location, McGee found the loaded weapon and extra ammunition in the passenger seat of the pick-up.

Melinda Graves explained to police that she and David Graves had been arguing for some time. Earlier that day, she said, Graves had been hunting. When he came home, he was intoxicated and they began to argue. Melinda Graves said that a temporary restraining order (TPO) had been placed on Graves, though it was later removed since the two were attending counseling sessions and she felt “it would change him.” She said that she later had tried to leave their home, which is when the suspect began following her.

McGee read David Graves the Miranda Rights; he then agreed to speak without the presence of a lawyer. Graves then told police that he came home from a hunting trip when she became upset because he had been drinking. When asked how much he drank, Graves stated, “A pint of Boston Vodka.” He then drove to the Rockmart Police Department in his truck.

The policeman asked if Graves had a license to carry his pistol, to which the suspect responded, “No.”

When given a Breathalyzer test, Graves blew .129 grams, with the legal driving under the influence (DUI) rate being .08 grams. The suspect was then placed under arrest for DUI and carrying a pistol without a license.

The officer contacted the battered women’s shelter, the employees of which told McGee there was not enough room for the victim and her eight- and three-year-old children.