Defendant arraigned for seriously injuring an FBI agent

ATLANTA - Cedrick Hill has been arraigned on a federal charge for assaulting an FBI agent with his truck in an attempt to evade arrest.  Hill was a fugitive at the time his arrest, having been previously indicted on federal charges for alleged drug offenses.

“Hill allegedly attempted to flee arrest, showing no regard for life when he seriously injured an FBI agent,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “This case is an important reminder of the risks that our law enforcement officers face every day to keep our community safe. We support the work they do and have zero tolerance those who bring them harm.”

“The actions of this defendant were reprehensible, with absolute disregard for the life of our agent,” said Murang Pak, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The agent was dragged for about a quarter mile at high speeds before the defendant stopped the vehicle due to the defendant’s injuries.  Our agent displayed tremendous courage and calm under fire during this very difficult situation.  Fortunately, our agent is recovering from his injuries and will have his day in court for this blatant attack on a federal officer.”

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: In January 2018, Hill was a fugitive, having previously been indicted by a federal grand jury in a 30-defendant indictment for drug offenses.  On January 5, 2018, FBI agents believed Hill was located at a hotel in Sandy Springs, Georgia.  Upon arrival at the hotel, an agent encountered Hill in the foyer and told him he was under arrest.

Hill began to put his arms behind his back, but pulled away as the agent began to handcuff him.  Hill then allegedly ran through the lobby and exited the hotel with the agent in pursuit.  The defendant ran to his truck to escape arrest.  The agent attempted to stop him, and became lodged in the driver’s side door.

With the agent dangling from the door, Hill allegedly sped through the parking lot at a high rate of speed and hit another vehicle, crushing the agent at the point of impact and breaking his arm and femur.  The agent managed to discharge his service weapon with his free hand, striking Hill twice.  

Despite being shot, Hill drove out of the hotel parking lot, crossed Interstate 285, and turned down an access road before stopping the vehicle and releasing the injured agent onto the side of the road.  The injured agent managed to call 911 and request medical care for himself and Hill.  The defendant drove back to the hotel, where he was treated by first responders and later arrested.  The agent remained on the side of the road until he was located by first responders.

Cedrick Hill, 26, of Marietta, Georgia was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand for assaulting an FBI agent. Hill was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2018.  Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges.  The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica C. Morris is prosecuting the case.