Emptying your pockets to go through a metal detector normally only takes a few minutes.
But on Thursday, a 51-year-old Dothan man received a shock when he never made it past the detector. Malcom Williams of Young America Drive emptied his pockets and out spilled two baggies of marijuana along with a wad of cash and a cell phone. Williams had attempted to report to his probation officer and pay off some fines, Sheriff Andy Hughes said.

Williams tried to escape, but Deputy Phillip Small used a Taser on him before he could escape the lobby of the courthouse, said Sheriff’s Investigator Rick Clemmons.
Williams was charged with felony first-degree possession of marijuana, and misdemeanor resisting arrest. A $15,000 bond was set for the criminal charges, but he’s being held in the Houston County Jail without bond for probation violation after he was charged with the new crimes.

“The Taser was used, but it was ineffective because of the clothing he was wearing,” Sheriff’s Capt. Antonio Gonzalez said.

Clemmons said deputies had to shackle him instead of handcuffing because his arm was in a sling with a cast on it. Williams was taken to Southeast Alabama Medical Center for treatment.

“I got there, and he was still combative,” Clemmons said. “He was moving his arms around, and he kept trying to reach in his pockets.”

Deputies later found rolling papers and a pocket knife in Williams’ pocket. Williams pleaded guilty to felony third-degree escape in April 2007, according court records.