Southern Pines woman charged with assault on a government official

A 20-year-old woman from Southern Pines is facing charges of assault on a governmental official, malicious conduct by a prisoner, two counts of resist, delay and obstruct a public officer and two counts of communicating threats.

“Upon officer’s arrival, they spoke with a family member of Aaja Chantel Atkins who reported they had been assaulted by Ms. Atkins,” said Southern Pines Police Department in a press release regarding officers responding to a domestic disturbance report at Brookside Park Apartments on Shaw Avenue on Tuesday. “While officers attempted to place Ms. Atkins under arrest, she became combative, fighting and spitting on the officers. After arrest, Ms. Atkins continued her combative behavior and upon arrival at the Moore County Detention Center, Ms. Atkins assaulted a member of the detention staff by spitting on them.”

The suspect was placed at the Moore County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond. She is due in court on Thursday and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.