Incidents of domestic violence in Peachtree City have increased this year, reports show, with four arrests last week in connection with "domestic violence calls," said Police Chief Jim Murray.

Murray said the city recorded 144 incidents of domestic violence between January and August of 1997. This year, there have been 197 incidents in the same time period, he added.

Last week's arrests included Victor M. Hernandez, 35, of Peachtree City, who was charged with battery following an incident at Peachtree Crossings Shopping Center. Charged with simple battery were Michael D. Hunnicutt, 24, Peachtree City, after investigation of an incident at a residence on Senoia Road; Howard K. Brittain, 28, Peachtree City, after an incident at a Twiggs Corner residence; and Bobby O. Myrick, 28, Florence, Ala., arrested following a report of domestic violence at a Balmoral Village residence.

"We want people to know," Murray said, "that when these incidents meet the criteria of the state statute, when there are injuries and other evidence, that they will be arrested, no matter what."

He added that more law enforcement officers are injured or killed as a result of domestic violence calls than on any other type of call. The calls "take a considerable amount of time," Murray said, "because we want the offenders to know that we won't allow this to occur, and the victims to know that it's not useless to call, that they can get some satisfaction from the police."

Murray and other Fayette police chiefs serve on a board for the prevention and reduction of domestic violence through the Council on Battered Women, he said. The organization's "Helpline" is 770-929-7529.

OTHER ARRESTS

Chief Murray also reported an arrest of a 15-year-old for driving a golf cart under the influence. The Peachtree City youth also was charged with being in possession of alcohol and giving a false name and date of birth. Two other juveniles, both 15, were charged as minors in possession of alcohol in unrelated incidents.

Peachtree City police also broke up another "loud party" on Planceer Place, arresting four people. John Carroll, 19, of Peachtree City was charged with resisting an officer and as a minor in possession of alcohol. Also charged with possessing alcohol in connection with the party incident were Matthew J. Byrne, 17, Sean P. Conlan, 19, and Aaron L. Housey, 18, all of Peachtree City.