Monday, March 28, 2011

Woman facing bizarre assault charges

A puppy, tobacco and a Virgin Mary statue figured in a fight that left a homeless woman facing assault charges. Dolly Jean Barbara Brown, 27, who is listed as living in “tent city,” faces charges of simple assault, criminal mischief, public drunkenness and harassment. She is in the Lawrence County jail on $2,500 bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. June 28 in Lawrence County Central Court.

New Castle police responded to an assault at a residence in the 800 block of Butler Avenue at 5:17 p.m. March 16. According to court documents, the victim told officers she was assaulted by a female wearing dark blue sweatpants and a shirt. She had been seen last on a neighbour’s porch. Police said the woman’s description matched Brown’s. Officers said they already had dealt with her twice that afternoon.

The victim told police Brown arrived at her residence to inquire about a puppy for sale. Brown previously had purchased a puppy from the victim. During the discussion, Brown become upset and began arguing with the victim. She then picked up a bag of tobacco and told the victim, “That’s my tobacco,” and refused to give it back. According to police, when the victim told Brown she was not taking the tobacco, Brown punched her in the face and walked out of the home. Police said the victim sustained minor injury to her nose.

As Brown left, she allegedly grabbed a Virgin Mary statue from the front yard and smashed it against the house. As the victim called 911, she watched Brown walk over to her neighbour’s house and knock on the door. When no one answered, she disappeared between the houses. Police found Brown on Stanton Avenue near Winslow Avenue. She was severely intoxicated, placed into custody and taken to the police station, documents say. Brown was not processed at that time, police said, because of the level of intoxication.

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