×

Juvenile charged with assaulting cop at girls home

GOSHEN TWP. – A juvenile at the Sharon Lynn Home for Girls was charged with assaulting an officer after a report of damaging the facility July 31.

The 12-year-old resident was charged with felony counts of assault on an officer (fourth-degree); vandalism (fifth-degree) and second-degree misdemeanor counts of criminal damaging and obstructing business.

According to the police report, Cpl. Karl Balasz responded to the facility at 1:10 p.m. where a staff member said the juvenile had caused damage at the home, including possible damage to pipes in the bathroom, a significant amount of water on the floor that was damaging drywall and lotion thrown about.

The juvenile admitted to causing the damage and was informed that the incident would be referred to juvenile court. She then agreed to go to her room and Balasz left.

Balasz returned with Officer Kevin Ragan shortly thereafter when staff members requested immediate assistance with the juvenile who was being restrained by staff. The officers then placed the juvenile in handcuffs to wait for transport to an area mental health facility. At that time the juvenile began to kick inside the rear of the cruiser and then kicked Balasz multiple times while being restrained. While restrained she continued to flail about and spit, lick and bite at the cage bars, causing damage to the cruiser.

While being processed at the department, the juvenile began to complain of pain in her arm and Damascus first responders arrived to evaluate her, finding nothing wrong. She was then transported to the juvenile justice center.

khowell@salemnews.net

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today