Alpharetta Councilman Accused of Throwing Trash Can at Wife

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An Alpharetta City Council member is facing battery charges after an argument with his wife turned physical.

Alpharetta police have charged Michael D. Cross, 40, with battery under the Family Violence Act following the incident, which occurred last month at the couple’s home.

Fulton County jail records show Cross was booked into the facility Feb. 27 and later released on a $3,000 pre-trial release signature bond.

According to an incident report released by the Department of Public Safety, officers were called to a home on Greenmont Circle around 10:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Laurie Cross told officers she and her husband began to argue in their bathroom when Cross allegedly “picked up a trash can and threw it at her face.”

Cross told officers she asked her husband to help with a few things before they went to bed for the evening when the argument started. According to the report, the “trash can left a mark on her face right beside the left side of her lip.”

Laurie Cross proceeded to attempted to diall 911 on her cell phone and land-line phone located upstairs, but Michael Cross “grabbed them first.”

“Laurie stated Michael began apologizing when he saw blood on her face, but still would not give her the phones,” the report adds.

Laurie Cross was able to call 911 on a house phone located on the main level of the house.

By the time officers responded to the house, Cross left the home in his SUV, and could not be located at the time the report was filed. The officer also asked Laurie Cross if her husband had anything to drink before the incident happened. She noted she had “a little vodka tonight,” but Michael Cross did not have anything to drink.

Cross on Monday said he and his wife ”have had a happy and healthy relationship during our 11 years of marriage.”

He added his wife has also repeatedly requested police not to press charges and ”that this matter not proceed further.”

”She told those who will listen that she has no concern for the safety of any member of our family,” he added. “She has requested privacy for her sake and for the sake of our children.”

When asked if he plans to resign, Cross, whose term ends on Dec. 31, said he does not plan to seek re-election, and he anticipates completing his term “so long as I may be of value.”

“If my presence becomes a hindrance, then I’ll resign,” he added.

Image via Shutterstock