Saul Medina-Barajas

Name:
Medina-Barajas, Saul Jose

Date of Booking:
07/02/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Battery

Disorderly Conduct

Public Drunkenness

Criminal Trespass Of Property Without Permission

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 07/02/26, I responded to 1235 Cleveland Hwy (Los Reyes) in reference to a fight in progress. Upon arrival, the males separated, and I made contact with two males identified as [VICTIM #1] and Saul Medina-Barajas. I detained Saul due to him appearing intoxicated and being the presumed predominant aggressor. I escorted Saul to the front of my patrol vehicle and had him sit on the curb.

At this time, Officer Anderson and Officer Thornton arrived on scene. Officer Anderson spoke with Saul due to him only speaking Spanish. I then spoke with [VICTIM #1]. [VICTIM #1] reported that he was mowing the property’s lawn when Saul approached him asking for work. [VICTIM #1] stated he did not need help, which angered Saul. Saul then began flicking off [VICTIM #1] and yelling profanities. [VICTIM #1] turned off the mower and informed Saul that he was the property manager and needed him to leave.

[VICTIM #1] stated that Saul refused to leave and approached him while stating, “I’m going to kill you,” with balled fists. In self defense, [VICTIM #1] punched Saul in the face, which led to both subjects fighting. During the fight, Saul scratched [VICTIM #1] on the neck, causing a small laceration, and scratched his temple, causing a flap of skin to come off. [VICTIM #1] reported that he punched Saul multiple times in the face during the altercation. Saul was bleeding from his mouth and had swollen ears.

Saul then separated himself from [VICTIM #1] and ran to the woodline, where he picked up full beer cans and began throwing them at [VICTIM #1], along with a small shooter of liquor. These beer cans were located behind the mower in the grassy area. [VICTIM #1] informed me he wanted to press charges.

I returned to Officer Anderson, who reported that Saul stated he was just trying to get work and became angry when [VICTIM #1] refused his services. Saul admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the incident. Saul reported that when he approached [VICTIM #1], [VICTIM #1] punched him in the face, which led to the fight.

I then had Saul blow into an Alco-sensor, which indicated a 0.146% bac. At this point, I decided to place Saul in custody. I had Saul move to the front of my patrol vehicle and searched his person, locating a marijuana roach in his left cargo pocket. I confiscated the contraband and placed it in a zip top plastic bag. I then secured Saul in the back seat of my patrol vehicle and transported him to WCSO.

Upon arrival, I secured my department issued firearm in the sally port weapons locker and escorted Saul inside the jail. Prior to escort, I inspected my backseat for contraband and did not locate any. Once inside, jail staff informed me that Saul would need to be medically cleared at Hamilton Medical Center before they could accept him. Spanish speaking jail staff asked Saul if he wanted to go to Hamilton Medical Center for treatment, and he refused.

Due to these circumstances, I escorted Saul back to my patrol vehicle and secured him in the back seat. I retrieved my firearm and returned to Saul. Since Saul did not want treatment, and the jail would not accept him, I decided to unarrest Saul after receiving direction from Lt. Lowery.

Per policy, I was required to take Saul to a destination of his choosing and release him from custody. I used google translate to ask him where he wanted to go, and He stated, “where you picked me up from.” I informed him that [VICTIM #1] wanted him trespassed, and he was formally trespassed from 1205 N Glenwood Ave. Saul stated he understood and would not return.

Saul then requested to be dropped off at Walgreens on N Glenwood Ave. I transported him to the backside of Walgreens and informed him that he would have warrants issued for his arrest and should turn himself in the following day. Saul stated he understood. I again reminded him not to return to the trespassed property, and he verbally confirmed he would not go back. I uncuffed Saul and returned his belongings. I cleared the call and returned to service.

Approximately ten minutes later, [VICTIM #1] called 911 and reported that Saul had returned to the property. I responded and located Saul on the property. Saul had entered the liquor store and purchased more alcohol before I could make contact. When he exited the store, Sgt Parker and Mpo McBrayer were already on scene. Mpo McBrayer spoke with Saul and asked why he returned to the property he knew he was trespassed from. Saul reported that he is homeless and has been staying on that property.

Lt Lowery arrived on scene, and I took Saul into custody again. I handcuffed Saul, double locked both cuffs, and secured him in my patrol vehicle. Saul confirmed he was not a U.S. citizen. Saul did not want his consular notified. I transported Saul to Hamilton Medical Center to see if he would consent to be evaluated. Upon arrival, I escorted Saul into the emergency room, and he refused treatment from nursing staff. Lt Lowery contacted the jail, explaind the situation, and then informed me that the jail would now accept Saul.

I escorted Saul back to my patrol vehicle and secured him in the back seat. I then transported Saul to WCSO. Upon arrival, I secured my firearm in the sally port weapons locker and escorted Saul inside the jail. I transferred Saul to jail staff.

I then filed an online warrant application, which was approved by Judge Phillips. I returned to the jail and served Saul his warrant. Saul was charged with Battery, Public Drunkenness, Disorderly Conduct, and Criminal Trespass.

After clearing the jail, I returned to the Dalton Police Department to enter the contraband into property and evidence for destruction. No further action required.

Warrant #026-1127

Charges:
O.C.G.A. 16-11-41 Public drunkness
O.C.G.A. 16-7-21 Criminal tresspass
O.C.G.A. 16-11-39 Disorderly conduct
O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1 Battery

Contraband entered into evidence
item (1) marijuana roach in tube container 6.5gg

[End of Narrative]