A 17-year-old Cedartown resident, Jesus Adolfo Palencia, was arrested after allegedly assaulting two staff members at Murphy Harpst, according to law enforcement officials.
Palencia was taken into custody following an incident that occurred at the Murphy Harpst residential facility. According to the report, staff members told deputies that Palencia became upset after believing staff members had made derogatory comments about him. They said Palencia became increasingly agitated, slamming doors, attempting to damage property, and acting aggressively toward employees.
Palencia then reportedly knocked a screen from a window, prompting him to intervene. During the confrontation, the victim alleged that Palencia pushed him, nearly causing him to fall from an open second-story window.
The report states that Palencia then allegedly swung at another staff member before pushing her. The second victim reportedly confirmed the first account, telling authorities that Palencia attempted to strike her and then physically pushed her.
Following the investigation, Palencia was arrested and charged with two counts of simple battery.
Authorities said officers are completing a supplemental report regarding allegations Palencia reportedly made about Murphy Harpst staff while being transported to the jail.
The incident remains under investigation.
