Ryan Shirley announced today that he will suspend his campaign for Decatur County Tax Commissioner.

“The goal of my campaign to be Decatur County’s next Tax Commissioner was always to better the community where I was born and raised and currently raise my children,” Shirley said in a released statement. “My desire is to try to leave Bainbridge a better place so my children will want to raise their families here.”

Shirley cited his recent arrest on two counts of Aggravated Assault as a factor in his decision to suspend the campaign.

“Unfortunately, I have been presented with a legal issue that must be taken very seriously,” Shirley continued. “I quickly realized that I do not have the ability to fight for the future and well-being of my family and successfully complete a campaign for Decatur County Tax Commissioner. For this reason, I have decided to suspend my campaign. While I can assure everyone that I will be exonerated of these charges, my energies will be divided while I continue the legal process. I cannot in good faith, ask for public support when I realize I cannot be completely focused on my campaign.”

Shirley turned himself into the Decatur County Jail on Feb. 5, after a warrant was issue for his arrest stemming from an incident in November.

Shirley reportedly pursued two juveniles who had stolen a dirt bike from his pawnshop, City Pawn, and allegedly struck one of the juveniles with his car. Shirley released a statement at the time saying in part “I have full faith in the local legal process and can assure everyone I will be exonerated once all the evidence comes to light in court.”

Shirley finished his statement withdrawing from the race saying “I have always tried to live my life with honesty and integrity. I wish to leave this campaign on those grounds. I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support and apologize for not being able to continue my bid for Decatur County Tax Commissioner.”