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Name:
Cruz, Gabriel Isaiah
Date of Booking:
04/26/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
BATTERY – FAMILY VIOLENCE (1ST OFFENSE) MISD
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN-ALLOW CHILD TO WITNESS FELONY/BATTERY/FAMILY VIOLENCE – 3RD DEGREE
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On April 26th 2026, I (Ofc. Ruiz) was dispatched to [1100 BLOCK] Wildwood glen (Wildwood Apartments), in reference to a domestic dispute that turned physical.
Once on scene, there was a male sitting at the bottom of the stairwell. The male was identified as Gabriel Cruz. As approaching Gabriel, he seemed nervous, and was visibly shaking. Ofc. Hamilton continued to speak to Gabriel, while I walked up stairs to apt #[REDACTED], where I met with a female. She was identified as [VICTIM #1]. As I approached [VICTIM #1], I could see her crying, and slightly shaking in the hands. [VICTIM #1] stated to me her and Gabriel are spouses, and have two children. I was advised both children were present at the time of the dispute. The children were identified as [REDACTED BY AGENCY].
I then proceeded to ask [VICTIM #1] what happened, she stated that her and Gabriel got into a verbal argument, which then lead to a physical altercation. [VICTIM #1] stated they were in the kitchen when things got physical. [VICTIM #1] stated Gabriel pushed her out of the way, and bucked up at her while walking past her. She then advised us that Gabriel also had her pinned against the counter and the kitchen stove. As she was being pinned, the kitchen stove was damaged due to [VICTIM #1] grabbing an egg pan and hitting the stove to create distance because of Gabriel’s demeanor, which was seen after further investigations. She stated she grabbed Gabriel by his shirt and upper chest, to free herself from being pinned any further. I observed visible redness on [VICTIM #1]’s right arm.
I then spoke with [VICTIM #1]’s sister, [WITNESS #1]. [WITNESS #1] stated she was on the phone with [VICTIM #1] towards the end of the altercation. According to [WITNESS #1] she only was able to hear lots of yelling as the phone kept cutting out. [WITNESS #1] also stated Gabriel had a history of domestic abuse towards [VICTIM #1].
I then entered the residence with [VICTIM #1] and saw items that were down on the floor due to the physical dispute. I also saw 2 bottles of alcoholic substance that were opened and appeared to be consumed from. I then walked out to speak with Gabriel to get his side of the story. Gabriel stated that he and [VICTIM #1] did get physical with each other. Gabriel state he pushed [VICTIM #1] to move her out of his way to grab his phone. He also advised [VICTIM #1] did grab him and shoved him. I observed visible redness on Gabriel’s chest.
After speaking with [VICTIM #1] and Gabriel, I spoke with [REDACTED BY AGENCY] who are children of both parties. The children were inside each of their rooms, at the time Gabriel and [VICTIM #1] were arguing. When speaking with the children, both children stated they heard the arguing coming from both [VICTIM #1] and Gabriel. [WITNESS #2] stated, he was in his room when he heard arguing coming from the living room, so he opened his door and peeked out to see what was going on. As he peeked out the door [WITNESS #2] saw Gabriel shove [VICTIM #1], which then [VICTIM #1] pushed Gabriel away in manner of self-defense.
Both parties refused EMS on scene.
After speaking with both parties and speaking with the children, Gabriel was determined to be the primary aggressor after investigations.
Gabriel was then placed in handcuffs to the rear and double locked. Gabriel was patted down, then placed in the back seat of vehicle #2555. Prior to placing Gabriel in the back of the vehicle, the vehicle was cleared.
Gabriel was transported to Carroll County jail for booking and holding.
Vehicle #2555 was cleared after transporting Gabriel Cruz.
Gabriel was charged for Battery FVa (16-2-23.1) due to causing visible bodily harm to [VICTIM #1], and Cruelty to children 3rd degree (16-5-70) due to [WITNESS #2] (8 years old) to witness the commission of Battery.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
4/27/26
APPEARANCE BOND SET FOR GABRIEL ISAIAH CRUZ
What this means: Gabriel Isaiah Cruz was released from custody after posting an appearance bond of $2,500 through Best Bonding Company — a financial guarantee that he will show up for future court dates. The bond was signed on April 27, 2026, and approved by Carroll County Sheriff Terry E. Langley. The bond obligates Cruz and his co-signers to pay the secured amount to the State of Georgia if he fails to appear. By signing, Cruz agreed to remain present for all proceedings in Carroll County State Court and not to leave without the court’s permission.
5/14/26
ACCUSATION FILED — GABRIEL ISAIAH CRUZ CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS IN CARROLL COUNTY STATE COURT
What this means: The Carroll County Solicitor’s office formally filed charges against Gabriel Isaiah Cruz in Carroll County State Court under case number STM2026002306. An accusation is a charging document filed directly by the Solicitor — it does not require a grand jury — and it officially begins the court case. Gabriel Isaiah Cruz is accused of two counts: Count 1, Battery, Family Violence, and Count 2, Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree. These are the charges Cruz will be required to answer to in court.
7/7/26
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR GABRIEL ISAIAH CRUZ
What this means: Gabriel Isaiah Cruz has an arraignment scheduled for July 7, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Carroll County State Court. An arraignment is a formal court hearing where the defendant is officially informed of the charges against him and asked to enter a plea — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is a standard early step in the court process following the filing of the accusation.
7/7/26
GABRIEL ISAIAH CRUZ ENTERS PRETRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM IN CARROLL COUNTY STATE COURT
What this means: On July 7, 2026, Gabriel Isaiah Cruz was accepted into the Carroll County Solicitor’s Office Pretrial Diversion Program on both counts — Count 1, Battery, Family Violence (1st Offense), and Count 2, Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree. A pretrial diversion program is an agreement between the defendant and the Solicitor’s Office that allows the case to be dismissed if the defendant successfully completes a set of requirements within a specified timeframe, without going to trial or entering a plea. All requirements must be completed by December 15, 2026.
The requirements Cruz must complete are:
Pay $500.00 in Pre-Trial Diversion fees to the Clerk of Court’s office on the second floor of the courthouse, and provide a copy of the receipt to the Solicitor’s Office on the third floor.
Within 30 days, complete an in-person Anger Management course of at least 8 hours. Proof of course completion must be provided to the Solicitor’s Office. Online courses are not accepted.
No violent contact with the named individual referenced in the agreement at any time.
During the 6-month program period, Cruz must not violate any local, county, state, or federal laws. If arrested or cited by any law enforcement officer during this period, Cruz must notify the Carroll County Solicitor’s Office within 24 hours. Failure to do so may be treated as a violation of the diversion agreement and result in revocation.
If Cruz successfully completes all requirements by December 15, 2026, the Solicitor’s Office will dismiss the charges and the case will be restricted from his record. If he fails to complete the requirements, the Solicitor’s Office may pursue the case through the court system.
12/15/26
PRETRIAL DIVERSION STATUS HEARING SCHEDULED FOR GABRIEL ISAIAH CRUZ
What this means: A pretrial diversion status hearing has been scheduled for Gabriel Isaiah Cruz on December 15, 2026, at 8:30 AM in Carroll County State Court. At this hearing, the court will review whether Cruz has successfully completed all requirements of his pretrial diversion program — including payment of fees, completion of anger management coursework, and compliance with all conditions. Based on his compliance, the Solicitor’s Office will either recommend dismissal of the charges or may seek to revoke the diversion agreement and proceed with prosecution.
