Teen jailed in robbery, assault

Thursday, August 20, 2009
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH - Police arrested a Duluth teen Wednesday on felony charges for allegedly setting up a robbery where the victim was ambushed with a leather belt.

Jessica Harden, 19, is charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit a crime and simple assault in the alleged Aug. 1 attack at the Prescott Apartments.

Police say Harden lured a friend, Vicente Ruiz, 23, back to her Centerview Drive apartment about 10 p.m. En route, an unknown black male crept behind Ruiz and began choking him with a belt, until Ruiz pulled away and pinned his assailant on the ground, according to a police report.

Harden reportedly stepped in and distracted Ruiz. The suspect wriggled way, ran toward a building and disappeared in the complex, the report says.

Harden's motive for orchestrating the attack was to rob Ruiz, according to her arrest warrant.

Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. David Schiralli said Harden's co-conspirator has not been located. No further description was available Wednesday.

Harden remains jailed without bond.

Sign in to comment

Or login with:

OpenID

Gwinnett Daily Post