Following a jury trial, Theadio Branton was convicted of aggravated assault on a peace officer, interfering with government property, reckless driving, obstructing an officer, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.1 Branton appeals his convictions and the denial of his motion for new trial, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence as to his convictions for aggravated assault on a peace officer, interfering with governmental property, and obstructing a peace officer. He also argues that the trial court erred in denying his request for a mistrial, revoking his bond, instructing the jury, and denying his motion for a directed verdict. He further alleges that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm, for reasons that follow. On appeal from a criminal conviction, we review the evidence in a light favorable to the verdict, and the defendant no longer enjoys a presumption of innocence.2 We neither resolve issues of witness credibility nor weigh the evidence, but merely determine whether the evidence was sufficient to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.3 So viewed, the evidence shows that Branton and Halbert Hollis were involved in a physical altercation. Hollis testified that, after the fight, on July 27, 2003, Branton approached him at a party, brandished a gun, and shot him.
The police issued an arrest warrant for Branton, and the fugitive squad was assigned to locate him. On August 21, 2003, while conducting surveillance at Branton’s girlfriend’s residence, police investigator Wayne Nelson observed Branton exit the home, enter his car, and drive away. Nelson radioed for assistance and followed Branton in an unmarked police vehicle. After leading the police through various neighborhoods, Branton drove into a grocery store parking lot. Nelson pulled in behind Branton and another officer, Sergeant Sheirling, pulled his marked squad car in front of Branton, partially blocking the entrance into the parking lot. Branton “stopped his vehicle as if he was surrendering,” and Nelson, who was wearing a vest identifying him as an officer and his badge around his neck, exited his vehicle and began to approach Branton. Branton made eye contact with Nelson before he “sped off,” hitting Sheirling’s marked patrol car in the process. Nelson and Sheirling entered their vehicles and pursued Branton; both officers saw Branton throw a handgun out of his car. Branton eventually lost control of his car, drove it into a house, and fled on foot before being caught in nearby woods.
