Roberto Escutia Cruz, 47 of Cedartown, was arrested this week after reports said after reports said he destroyed Room 106 at the A-1 Motel on North Main Street.
Officers said that they observed that Cruz had barricaded the room’s door using furniture, including a bed, table, and other items. Officers issued multiple verbal commands for Cruz to exit the room, but he refused to comply. Authorities reported that Cruz continued drinking a beer and speaking incoherently, making it difficult for officers to understand him.
Additional officers responded to assist with the situation. During the standoff, Cruz allegedly attempted to throw a metal rod through a window toward an officer standing outside. The object was reportedly aimed in the officer’s head area but did not strike him.
After obtaining a key from the motel’s complainant, Sunil Patel, officers unlocked the room and again ordered Cruz to surrender. Police warned that a K-9 unit would be deployed if he did not comply. Instead, Cruz reportedly picked up the metal rod once more, prompting an officer to deploy a Taser. The Taser struck Cruz in the right arm and left leg, causing him to fall to the floor.
Officers then took Cruz into custody without further resistance. He was handcuffed, medically assessed at the scene, and transported to the Polk County Jail without incident.
Investigators reported that Cruz caused approximately $1,000 in damage to the motel room, including two wall lamps, a bed frame, an electrical receptacle, a box spring, and a piece of furniture.
Cruz is charged with aggravated assault on a court officer, 2nd degree criminal damage to property and obstruction.
