‘Government level crisis’ ends in arrests

Deputies were called to an Auburn business on Sept. 13 in response to an unknown situation.

When deputies arrived, they were met by Ricky Barkley, 48, of 3212 Luther Wages Road in Dacula, and Suzanne Deskins, 44, of 2740 Brookton Lane also in Dacula.

Deskins, who was sitting on a curb and crying when deputies arrived, refused to answer questions saying she did not know who to trust. Deskins advised the deputy that if he would give her a ride home, she might provide additional information.

Barkley, who was pacing back and forth in the parking lot, also would not provide any information. According to the reporting deputy, Barkley was “babbling” about someone accessing his computer files and ranting about a “government level crisis” being in place.

Deputies attempted to calm Barkley, but he continued to discuss an “infiltration” which he suspected was perpetrated by mechanics at a shop across the road. Against the advice of deputies, Barkley walked across the road and began photographing cars and plates outside the automotive shop. While deputies watched, Barkley also photographed the inside of the shop. Deputies then insisted Barkley return to his property.

One of the deputies then went inside the automotive shop and spoke with a female employee. The female was clearly upset according to the report and was “crying and fearful.”

When asked what happened, the woman said Deskins and Barkley entered the building approximately one hour after she arrived at work. When the woman walked over to speak to Barkley, he reportedly held a gun to her head. The woman said Barkley threatened to “blow a hole” in her head. Barkley then allegedly forced the woman to walk down the hallway and sit at her desk. According to the woman, Barkley threatened her and demanded information regarding the compromise of his computer network. The woman said Deskins later walked into the office and began accusing her as well before grabbing a digital clock and smashing it on the victim’s desk. Deskins and Barkley then left the office.

Upon further questioning, Barkley admitted having a gun. Based on information obtained at the scene, deputies placed Barkley under arrest and charged him with aggravated assault, pointing a gun at another, kidnapping, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and false imprisonment.

After being placed in the patrol car, Barkley kicked out the rear driver’s side window of the vehicle. He was subsequently placed in leg irons and returned to the vehicle. The act netted Barkley two additional charges of criminal trespass and interference with government property.

After once again refusing to cooperate with investigators, Deskins was charged with obstruction and with criminal trespass for smashing the clock.

Both subjects were transported to the Barrow County Detention Center.