ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - An extensive investigation lasting over a month has wrapped up following a chaotic New Year’s Eve party that saw more than 30 juveniles in attendance alongside a limited number of adults.

The evening spiraled out of control when a physical altercation broke out between two juveniles, leading one of them to call her mother for assistance, according to a release from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

However, the situation escalated further when the mother arrived, resulting in her being physically attacked by several juveniles present at the party.

This alarming turn of events led to the arrest of 18-year-old Jazmin Cruz, of Douglas, who was taken into custody for simple battery after admitting her involvement in the melee, according to the CCSO.

Cruz’s actions included grabbing another juvenile by the hair and pulling her to the ground, ultimately turning the confrontation into a violent encounter with the mother.

As the investigation progressed, it became evident that the repercussions of Cruz’s actions and those of her peers were severe.

During Mirandized interviews, Cruz and two other juveniles confessed to their roles in the violent incident, revealing the extent of the chaos that unfolded.

Notably, Cruz admitted to throwing rocks at the victim’s vehicle, causing about $4,000 in damages, the CCSO said in the release.

The aftermath of this incident left the mother with significant injuries, including a concussion, heavy bruising, and notable swelling on her face.

While all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the legal ramifications are serious. Juveniles may face detention, fines, probation, or restitution, while adults can incur penalties of up to one year in jail and fines reaching $1,000, according to the CCSO.

“In this age of accountability, it underscores the necessity for parental supervision at juvenile events to prevent such alarming incidents from occurring,” the CCSO said in the release.

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