An Athens man is in custody and a woman recovering after she was badly injured with a baseball bat. Athens-Clarke County Police responded to a report of an Aggravated Assault in progress at the Oak Grove Mobile Home Park off Lexington Road early Sunday morning.
Police say officers heard a struggle inside the residence and the 46-year year old woman told dispatchers on the phone that she was being attacked and that the suspect had a baseball bat.
Geoffrey Gilland, is Public Information Officer with the Department.
“The officer forced entry into that residence, he located the suspect as well as the victim,” according to Gilland. “He then detained the suspect.”
Officers forced the back door of the home open to allow the EMS crew quicker access into the home. The crew determined that the woman needed immediate transport and the ACCPD officer helped load the stretcher into the ambulance.
Due to the severity of the injuries, the officer drove the ambulance so the EMS crew could focus on providing care for the victim.
“Both the crew, as well as the ACC officer noticed that due to the victim’s condition, that her need for immediate care, the office decided that it was in the best interest to drive the ambulance.”
Gilland says while unusual, the officer’s decision to drive the ambulance was part of a well-coordinated effort.
“It’s not normal for an officer to get into an ambulance and begin driving, however it is not against policy. I think what we’re most proud of is the fact that all of the officers worked together. An officer took control of the situation, which he is trained to do.”
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
51-year old Christopher Warden was arrested for Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery.