It was a case of not having things in order when calling the police for assistance, especially if what the cops find leads to a long list of charges. That was the case May 29 when Fairburn Police arrested a man and woman after responding to a domestic call placed by Cambridge Faire Apartments resident Ronald Kendricks.

Kendricks, 24, was charged with cruelty to children, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug equipment and simple battery, according to Chief Charles Long. Also arrested at the scene was 24 year-old Decatur resident Shante Hicks on charges of cruelty to children and simple battery, Long said.

The incident began when police arrived after receiving a domestic dispute call. Officers were met by Kendricks and his three year-old son outside the apartment. Kendricks told officers he and his girlfriend, Hicks, had been arguing inside the apartment and that Hicks had become enraged and began throwing and breaking dishes, according to police reports. Kendricks told officers it was then that he removed himself and his son from the apartment and called 911. Officers reported that Kendricks was agitated, telling officers that a handgun was located in his bedroom and was afraid Hicks would take it. Kendricks asked officers to secure the gun, the report said.

Officers heard a different story after Hicks allowed them in the apartment. Hicks told officers she had been staying with Kendricks, but had asked him to take her back to Decatur after other women had called for him, the incident report said. Hicks said Kendrick refused to take her home and an argument began after he refused, officers said. Hicks told officer she began throwing dishes and had slapped Kendricks in the face after he began choking her, the incident report said.

Hicks told officers she was tired of Kendricks’ abusive manner. But Hicks had more to say, adding that she was tired of Kendricks taking their three year-old on drug runs and drug deals, officers said. She pointed to an area of the kitchen where she said Kendricks kept plastic bags and scales, the report said. Officers saw the scales in plain view, according to the report, and was given permission to examine the items.

While searching for the handgun, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the bathroom. Looking inside, officers saw the toilet overflowing and observed three towels and remains of suspected marijuana on the floor. On the sink officers found a small bowl containing pieces of suspected crack cocaine, the report said. Once at the bedroom, officers found the door locked and had it opened by an apartment maintenance employee. Inside the bedroom, officers could not locate the handgun but did find a medium-sized clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana on top of a dresser, officers said.

The gun was eventually located in the living room behind a love seat.