VILLA RICA, Ga. — A Carroll County man has been sentenced to years in prison after being convicted in the kidnapping and assault of a Villa Rica police officer during a traffic stop last year.
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According to the West Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, a Carroll County jury found Bryan Myers guilty on Sept. 2 of kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault on a peace officer, obstruction and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
On Tuesday, a judge sentenced Myers to life with the possibility of parole followed by 30 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Prosecutors said the charges stem from a March 12, 2025, traffic stop conducted by Villa Rica Police Ofc. Victoria Hamilton.
Officials said Hamilton stopped Myers for a tag light violation during the early morning hours and smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. When she asked Myers to step out of the car, he became argumentative and tried to force his way back into the driver’s seat, leading to a physical struggle.
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According to prosecutors, Myers then put the vehicle in drive and sped away while Hamilton was partially hanging out of the driver’s side door.
Authorities said Myers tried to push Hamilton out of the moving vehicle while also reaching for a loaded gun tucked into his waistband.
While being dragged, Hamilton was able to stop the vehicle long enough to safely get out, officials said. Myers then ran into nearby woods and dropped the gun during his escape.
“Ofc. Hamilton showed tremendous resolve and courage in the face of life-threatening danger,” Villa Rica Police Chief Michael Mansour said. “She refused to give up against overwhelming odds, displaying heroism beyond measure. We are incredibly proud of her and thankful that she is still with us to see justice served in this case.”
District Attorney Sarah Stimac Japour also praised Hamilton’s actions and the work of the Villa Rica Police Department.
“We commend the Villa Rica Police Department for their commitment to justice in protecting and serving our community,” Japour said in a statement. “Further, we would also commend Officer Hamilton in particular for her bravery and professionalism.”
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