A 40-year-old Douglas man remains in jail after he allegedly assaulted an elderly female repeatedly over the course of several days, according to a report from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.
On January 30, 2024, a deputy responded to Bear Creek Road to what was initially reported as a domestic dispute. The report states that the deputy opened the back door of the home and saw a man identified as James Wesley Harris, 40, standing over an elderly woman screaming at her.
The deputy ordered Harris outside and noticed two spots of blood on his face. Another deputy who had also responded stood with Harris while the first officer spoke with the victim. She stated that Harris had jumped on her. She also stated that Harris had been arguing with her over food and had been “beating on her” for three days. The report also says that the victim reported that Harris had slammed her to the floor. The victim had a visible injury from the alleged altercations.
A witness reported observing one of the altercations and having to remove Harris from the victim. The victim added, according to the report, that Harris had threatened to kill the victim if police were called.
When the officers questioned Harris, he said he was defending himself from the victim. He stated that the victim had awakened him and started hitting and scratching him. The officers didn’t buy Harris’s story (they observed no marks on him at all) and placed him under arrest.
Harris was charged with exploiting/inflicting pain/depriving essential services to an elderly or disabled person and transported to the Coffee County Jail. He has not been released.