Police: Man faces 2 felonies after hitting Gainesville cop in head with gold crucifix

A man faces two felonies after being accused of using a gold crucifix to hit a Gainesville police officer in the head.

Sebastian Marcos-Bautista, 31, was charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer and obstruction Monday morning, spokeswoman Cpl. Jessica Van told AJC.com.

About 10:45 a.m., officers received an abnormal behavior call after a man armed with a stick or paddle walked into a business off Summit Street, Van said. The man, identified as Marcos-Bautista, was involved in a struggle with other people when police arrived.

Officers tried to detain Marcos-Bautista, but he punched an officer in her head while his fist was wrapped with a gold crucifix, Van said. The sharp end of the crucifix was exposed, cutting the officer’s head.

Marcos-Bautista was arrested and taken to the Hall County Jail. The officer received medical treatment and is now back on duty, Van said.

In addition to his charges, Marcos-Bautista has a hold by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to county jail records. He was granted a $27,900 bond on the two felonies, but he remains in jail due to the ICE hold, which does not allow for bond.