Officer Samuelson responded to Perimeter of the Ozarks to speak with 16 year old patient. Resident1 said there was an incident in which she was assaulted on Dec 4 (23-78333) and on Dec 10 (23-78341). On 12/10/23, Resident1 was in the Day Room Green Unit. Resident2 had assaulted her by going for her hair, and hitting her across the face. She received a black eye, swelling, and a busted lip. Staff came in and both girls fell to the ground. As one resident was being restrained, she kicked the other resident in the mouth.
Resident1 said she requested to press charges. At the time of incident, staff would not allow her to contact police and said they do not need to get involved. She still lives in the same wing as Resident2 and sees her on a regular basis. Resident1 also said she feels like she is being denied her rights to access to contact CPS or her advocate.
Officer Samuelson received an e-mail from Sara Whorton (staff) on December 18 with the following statements: “The second incident took place on 12/9/23 at 15:47 not on 12/10. Resident1 antagonized several residents one after the other for about 10 minutes. The other four did not respond as staff were able to intervene. The reported resident did fight with Resident1 after verbal exchange was seen being made on camera. Again, we do not have audio, but the reported resident got up from her chair and hit Resident1 which began the fight. Staff were there and broke it up immediately.”
Officer forwarded this case to Washington County Juvenile Prosecutors office for review of the charges of Battery 3rd Degree.