TOCCOA — Three Toccoa police officers are recovering after suffering minor injuries while responding to a domestic dispute and making an arrest Monday night.
The incident happened just after 6 p.m. at a home on Avon Street, Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said in a press conference Tuesday.
“When the first officer arrived, he was invited into the home, and immediately was able to find the home in disarray,” Jarrell said. “Several items were broken and strewn about the house.”
Jarrell went on to explain how the situation deteriorated.
“The first officer on the scene, Dustin Parten, made contact with a male by the name of Christopher Hansen,” Jarrell said. “While the officer was attempting to speak with Mr. Hansen to determine what had taken place, Hansen turned to walk away then turned back and struck officer Parten in the mouth with his fist. The officer and Hansen both went to the floor.”
A struggle ensued.
“At that point, it took three officers to attempt to gain compliance, to get Hansen under control, and a Taser had to be used to be able to get him handcuffed,” Jarrell said.
As is standard procedure when force is used, an ambulance was called to check Hansen, as well as the injured officer. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, Hansen was placed in the back of a Toccoa police patrol vehicle.
“At that point, he kicked out the back window of a patrol car,” Jarrell said. “In doing so, two other officers received injuries from the broken glass. Some of the officers got cut in the process of trying to gain compliance, to get him under control. Another officer wound up with pieces of glass fragments in his eyes.”
Hansen, 23, of Toccoa was taken to the Stephens County Jail without further incident.
He is charged with criminal trespass under the Family Violence Act, cruelty to children in the third degree, three counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of felony obstruction, two counts of interference with government property, and one count of misdemeanor obstruction, Jarrell said.
The injured officers were treated and released, and returned to duty, according to Jarrell.
There were two other adults and some children on site at the house at the time of the incident, Jarrell said, adding they believe Hansen was under the influence of some type narcotics when the incident occurred.
