Fight follows drug bust

2 days later, 3rd person accused of battery

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Police were at the same N. Cedar St. house two days apart, first for a drug raid and then to break up a fight.

When police executed a search warrant March 21, they arrested homeowner Brenda S. Phillips, 64, and Cody R. Harrison, 38. Phillips bonded out of jail two days later on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and Harrison was still in jail Tuesday in lieu of a $10,000 surety bond.

However, on Thursday, police were summoned again to Phillips’ house, this time for a report of a fight in progress.

Police arrested Michael B. Nelson, 21, who allegedly knocked a woman to the ground, pushed another out a door, and caused $125 worth of damage to a bedroom door and a glass nightstand.

Nelson was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, battery, and criminal damage to property.

The victims were identified as Phillips and Sarah Smith, 43, of Marion.

Officer Aaron Slater’s report indicated he suspected drug use contributed to the fight, but drug charges were not requested when Nelson was booked into jail.

According to county property records, taxes on the house have not been paid for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.