A Boaz man who shot at drug agents and Boaz police officers has now been charged with attempted murder, according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

“Arnold Ray Battles, 64, of Boaz, is charged with eight counts of attempted murder, a felony,” states Captain Jason Argo.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Tuesday, February 6, at Battles’ residence on Pleasant Hill Cut Off Road, Boaz.  The suspect shot at agents with the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Boaz police while they were attempting to serve him with a search and arrest warrant. 

“These charges are appropriate concerning the danger that he placed our deputies and officers in.  We look forward to seeing justice served in this case,” Sheriff Entrekin said.

Battles is currently being detained in the Etowah County Detention Center without bond.  He also faces charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, violent felon in possession of a pistol and drug paraphernalia.

At the time of the incident, Battles was out of jail, on bond, for drug charges.