Efijena Duarte-Minjarez

Name:
Duarte-Minjarez, Efijena Margarita

Date of Booking:
06/04/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Aggravated Assault, Other Weapon

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 06/04/2026 at approximately 2212 hours, Deputy Goresh was dispatched by the Whitfield County Communications Center to the area of Houston Valley Rd and Valley Way in reference to someone yelling in the roadway.

Upon arrival in the area, Deputy Goresh observed three subjects in the roadway area of Valley Way near Houston Valley Rd. Deputy Goresh observed that he had recent interactions with the individuals and was familiar with Ms. [WITNESS #1], Ms. [VICTIM #1], and Ms. Efijenia Minjarez (Efi) from speaking to them at their residence on Valley Way.

Deputy Goresh observed Efi appeared to be laying on the ground in a condition of mental distress and asked questions to check on her. Efi was initially verbally unresponsive, but appeared comfortable and relaxed on the ground like she was going to sleep. [VICTIM #1] advised that she had been trying to get Efi to take her medicine tonight, but had not been successful. Deputy Goresh asked Efi if she would like to go home or go to the hospital.

Deputy Goresh continued to speak with Efi who eventually sat up and began speaking with Deputy Goresh. Efi advised that her tooth was hurting and her family advised that Efi had skipped a dentist appointment today. Deputy Goresh talked with Efi about her medicine and recommended going to the hospital since she is having problems with her medicine and is having tooth pain. Efi agreed to go to the hospital by ambulance and Deputy Goresh requested EMS response via Dispatch 911. While speaking to Efi, Deputy Goresh observed that she appeared slightly agitated possibly due to her tooth pain and/or dislike of the way medicine made her feel.

Deputy Goresh observed that Efi remained in a seated position while waiting for EMS. Deputy Goresh observed Efi stood up and suddenly began running at her mother with a large knife raised in an aggressive manner. Deputy Goresh observed that [VICTIM #1] turned away from Efi and tried running away. Deputy Goresh intervened with verbal commands while drawing service weapon as Efi quickly ran right up to her mother with knife raised. Deputy Goresh observed that Efi quickly changed her behavior and presented an opportunity for Deputy Goresh to draw his Taser.

Deputy Goresh activated his Taser 10 while pointing the device at Efi and approaching her and continuing verbal commands. Efi dropped the knife and Deputy Goresh moved the knife away from her by kicking it backward along the ground underneath patrol car. Efi complied with verbal commands to get on the ground and was handcuffed with hands in the rear. Deputy Goresh assisted Efi to her feet and placed her in the rear of patrol car.

Deputy Goresh photographed the knife and seized the knife for evidence. Deputy Goresh spoke with [VICTIM #1] about the incident and she advised that they have had previous incidents. Deputy Goresh asked [VICTIM #1] about what Efi said prior to pulling the knife out due to that conversation being in Spanish. [VICTIM #1] advised there was some conversation about taking medicine, but then she couldn’t tell what Efi said closer to pulling the knife out. Deputy Goresh provided [VICTIM #1] with Victim’s Bill of Rights and circled Victim-Witness office phone number for her.

Deputy Goresh spoke with Ms. [WITNESS #1] who advised that she had gone to her car and did not observe what happened. Deputy Goresh advised [VICTIM #1] and Ms. [WITNESS #1] on arrest and bond procedures.

Deputy Goresh searched Efi’s small backpack and Efi advised she wanted to give the cell phone in the bag to her grandmother, Ms. [WITNESS #1]. Deputy Goresh transferred the cell phone to Ms. [WITNESS #1]. Efi requested to bring the bag with her and Deputy Goresh placed it in the patrol car after search.

Deputy Goresh transported Efi to the Whitfield County Jail without incident. Deputy Goresh completed Warrantless Arrest #71215 for FVA-Aggravated Assault (OCGA 16-5-21). Deputy Goresh submitted the knife into evidence at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office.

[End of Narrative]