Staff Arrested After Assault at Fergus Falls Group Home
A South Fargo man was arrested after authorities say he assaulted a vulnerable adult at a Fergus Falls group home in the early hours of December 27. The arrest raises concerns about safety at local care facilities and how providers and law enforcement respond to incidents involving vulnerable residents.
Fergus Falls police arrested 29 year old Akeem Prince Smith after responding to a report of an assault in progress at a group home shortly before 4 a.m. on Saturday December 27. Officers arrived at about 3:52 a.m. and spoke with the resident who reported the incident. The resident told officers they had heard banging on the main floor, went to check whether Smith had called them, and then witnessed Smith banging things again. An argument followed after the resident told Smith to stop.
The resident said they splashed some water on Smith during the argument. According to the account given to officers, Smith then pushed the resident down, put them in a headlock, and at some point kicked them and stomped on their chest. The resident showed officers injuries that were consistent with that description, and stated that other than throwing water on Smith, they had not physically touched him. Smith, who is from South Fargo, was taken into custody at the scene.
Smith made his first court appearance on Monday morning and has been charged with fourth degree assault of a vulnerable adult, a gross misdemeanor. That charge reflects Minnesota law that provides enhanced protections for people classified as vulnerable adults, including those who live in group homes and require assistance with daily activities.
For Otter Tail County residents the incident underscores both the vulnerability of group home residents and the responsibilities of staff who care for them. Group homes serve people who depend on staff for support and supervision, and allegations of staff on resident violence prompt not only criminal investigation, but also administrative and licensing reviews. Families and community members may seek reassurance that workplaces for vulnerable adults are properly staffed, trained, and monitored to prevent similar incidents.
Law enforcement response in this case was prompt, and the charging decision moves the matter into the court system where the allegations will be adjudicated. Residents who have concerns about care in local facilities may contact law enforcement to report suspected abuse, and may expect agencies that license and oversee group homes to review serious allegations involving staff conduct.
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