Friday, August 2, 2002

Union City cop arrested by Fayette Co. for assaulting former girlfriend at her home

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

A Union City police officer has been arrested by Fayette County sheriff's deputies for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend at her east Fayette residence Wednesday morning.

Samuel Howard Goodall of Union City is being held without bond at the Fayette County Jail on four charges: aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping and battery (family violence). Police say he viciously beat the victim in the head and face after forcing his way into her residence.

"He stripped her of her clothing and sexually assaulted her," Maj. Bruce Jordan of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department testified during a court hearing Thursday afternoon.

Goodall, who was wearing a handgun at the time, also threatened to kill the victim, Jordan said. During the altercation, Goodall showed the victim the gun which was hidden under his shirt and placed his hand on it to intimidate her, Jordan said.

Showing photos of the victim to Magistrate Court Judge A.K. Melear, Jordan said one of the marks on the victim's face matched up to a ring that Goodall was wearing at the time of the incident.

The victim was choked so roughly that a blood vessel in one of her eyes burst, Jordan testified.

Melear granted a request from District Attorney Bill McBroom to deny bond in the case. Jordan testified that the victim told him she was so "terrified" of Goodall that she wouldn't even come to the court hearing.

"She believes she has nothing to lose," Jordan said.

The victim had to be treated at Fayette Community Hospital for her injuries, which included bruising around the neck and facial lacerations, Jordan said. After he fled the scene before detectives arrived, Goodall tried to call the victim on her cellular phone several times, up until she was being treated at the hospital, Jordan added.

"Previously, he had been accusing her of having relationships with other men," Jordan said, explaining that the couple's relationship had ended in February. Goodall would also ride by her home and call her on the phone numerous times, Jordan added.

Goodall was taken into custody by Union City authorities Wednesday, Jordan said.

The victim's name is not being released because of a Georgia law that requires her identity to remain confidential.