In a notable incident in Georgia, a county commissioner was discovered unconscious on a sidewalk, leading to a contentious interaction with medical responders. The event, which took place in September, was recorded on police body cameras and has recently been made public. The footage shows Felicia Franklin, Vice Chair of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, being found outside a sports bar and later exhibiting uncooperative behavior in an ambulance.
Days after the incident, police interviews revealed discrepancies in Franklin’s account of her alcohol consumption. She claimed to have been drugged with a “date rape drug,” describing the experience as deeply personal and troubling. However, police reports indicated no presence of such drugs in her system, but rather evidence of alcohol and cannabis. Surveillance footage from the bar showed her being served multiple drinks and engaging in dancing.
Following the incident’s revelation, Franklin was removed from her Vice Chair position but continues to serve as an elected county official. On the night of the incident, she was at an event and later found passed out near the 404 Sports Bar and Grill in Morrow, Georgia.
The bodycam footage revealed Franklin in distress, screaming and resisting the emergency staff, leading to her being restrained in the ambulance. Her behavior escalated, including shouting obscenities and demanding her mother’s presence. At one point, when warned about potential arrest, she responded dismissively.
The situation continued at the hospital, where Franklin appeared increasingly agitated. A friend mentioned she had been ill with a sinus infection and on medication. Following the release of the video, Franklin was voted out of her Vice Chair role on October 23. Clayton County Chairman Jeff Turner commented on the need for public officials to maintain a commendable public image.
Franklin contested the decision to remove her from the Vice Chair position and announced intentions to run for the chairwoman’s seat, stating the move would free her time for campaigning.
In the aftermath, Franklin described the incident as traumatic on Facebook, suggesting drug involvement despite police findings to the contrary. Morrow Police Sergeant Scott Stewart stated there was no evidence supporting her claim of being drugged and mentioned her refusal of a blood test, though a urinalysis indicated cannabis presence.
The case was eventually closed, with no charges pressed by the EMTs. The 404 Sports Bar and Grill issued a statement emphasizing patron safety and expressing gratitude for the thorough police investigation, noting that the matter had been resolved. Clayton County and Franklin were contacted for further comments on the incident.