Justin Freeman

Name:
Freeman, Justin Heath

Date of Booking:
03/23/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Aggravated Battery-Family Violence (F)

Aggravated Battery-Family Violence (F)

Aggravated Assault on Person over the age of 65

Simple Assault – Family Violence

Knowingly and willfully exploits a disabled person, elder persons, or resident-Family Violence (F)

Battery Against a Person who is 65 YOA or Older

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 03/23/2025 at approximately 2030 hours, I was dispatched to [1100 BLOCK] Davis Mill Road South in reference to a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, I made contact with the suspect, identified as Justin Freeman, who stated that his stepfather, [VICTIM #1], had fallen and that he was merely attempting to help him up. Mr. Freeman also advised that Mr. [VICTIM #1] suffers from dementia and has memory issues.

I entered the residence and observed Mr. [VICTIM #1] lying on the bedroom floor near the doorway. He was visibly injured, bleeding from the nose and left arm, and complained of pain in his right-side rib area. When asked what had occurred, Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated that Mr. Freeman had assaulted him. He estimated his age to be in his 60s and advised that Mr. Freeman struck him with a closed fist using his right hand.

I immediately notified dispatch to have EMS and fire personnel en route due to Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s injuries and inability to get off the floor. I provided Mr. [VICTIM #1] with a pillow to support his head and alleviate some of his discomfort.

I then made contact with a second victim, [VICTIM #2], who corroborated Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s statement. She advised that Mr. Freeman claimed he was helping Mr. [VICTIM #1], but she witnessed Mr. Freeman striking and kicking him. She stated that she intervened by grabbing Mr. Freeman’s arm and telling him to stop. She further reported that Mr. Freeman responded with a hostile demeanor, clenched fists, and heavy breathing. She expressed fear that he was going to strike her as well.

I confronted Mr. Freeman about the allegations and asked why his mother observed him striking Mr. [VICTIM #1]. He denied the claims and reiterated that he was only attempting to help. He demonstrated the motion, which resembled a bear hug. While speaking with him, I observed a small amount of dried blood on the knuckle area of his right index finger. Mr. Freeman claimed it was from an old work injury. I asked about any prior incidents of assault, to which he responded there were none. This was proven false, as Ms. [VICTIM #2] disclosed that a previous incident occurred approximately one month ago.

Personnel from the Paulding County Fire Department and Metro EMS evaluated Mr. [VICTIM #1] and advised that his injuries were consistent with having been physically assaulted. A partial shoe or footprint was observed on the back of Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s shirt in the area of his right shoulder blade. I confirmed the mark while Mr. [VICTIM #1] was being treated in the ambulance.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] was transported to WellStar Paulding Hospital for further medical attention.

Following consultation with Sergeant Hoskins, we determined that probable cause existed to arrest Mr. Freeman based on the physical and testimonial evidence. Mr. Freeman was placed under arrest, handcuffed behind his back with proper fit, and double-locked. He had previously been searched for weapons. I transported him to the Paulding County Jail without incident. Mr. Freeman requested that I take photographs of an old scabbed-over injury, which I declined, as it was unrelated to the incident at hand.

Upon arrival at the jail, Mr. Freeman became disorderly, exposing his buttocks and genitalia in front of female jail staff on two occasions despite being instructed not to do so. He was turned over to jail staff without further issue. A post-transport search of my patrol vehicle revealed no weapons or contraband.

On 03/24/2025 at 0104 hours, I was notified by WellStar Paulding Hospital that Mr. [VICTIM #1] had been transported to Kennestone Hospital as a trauma patient due to two broken ribs and a collapsed lung. I immediately advised Sergeant Hoskins of the update. CID was informed and directed a hold be placed on Mr. Freeman.

Photos were taken of Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s injuries and Mr. Freeman’s shoes. It should be noted that Mr. Freeman, Mr. [VICTIM #1], and Ms. [VICTIM #2] reside together.

Mr. Freeman was determined to be under the influence of alcohol during the incident.

Warrants were secured for Mr. Freeman’s arrest based on the totality of the evidence and statements provided.

[End of Narrative]