New Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting of Clinton Police Officer

A second arrest has been made in connection with the August 6 fatal shooting of Clinton police officer Gary Michael.

According to Henry County Prosecuting Attorney Richard Shields, 35-year-old William Grant Noble has been charged with tampering with physical evidence. Noble is accused of throwing the rifle used in the shooting of Michael into a body of water north of Clinton, knowing that it had been used in the crime.

The Associated Press reports that the gun had been found in a creek about two miles north of Clinton. Noble was arrested on Thursday.

The Prosecuting Attorney says the charge is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in the Department of Corrections, and that the investigation is continuing and could result in charges against other individuals.

Officer Gary Michael was killed late Sunday night during a traffic stop in Clinton. 39-year-old Ian McCarthy was arrested on Tuesday and is charged with first degree murder in the case.

Michael’s funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Benson Convention Center, with a public viewing two hours before the service.