The baffling behavior of one city woman had police frustrated and confused over the weekend, as they repeatedly responded to calls about her strange actions.
Tracey DeShong, 39, of 2231 W. Fourth St., is charged with two counts of criminal trespassing and harassment and one count of disorderly conduct.
It began at about 4 p.m. on Aug. 11, when city police were dispatched for a report of a woman walking down Apple Street, talking to herself. DeShong explained to police that she was "landscaping a friend's property as a surprise," according to court documents.
Police told DeShong that she couldn't be on the property at 1925 Apple St. until the owners returned, and they advised her to go home, according to the affidavit.
About an hour later, police were dispatched to deal with DeShong again, this time at 2216 W. Fourth St. The property owner and a friend, who were not named in the affidavit, were complaining that DeShong was standing outside the residence, swearing and screaming.
DeShong then allegedly threw a lawn chair at the homeowner before walking onto the porch and telling the two women to "come fight her," according to court records.
The two were alarmed by the incident as they did not know DeShong and had no idea what she wanted, police said.
DeShong then continued to walk up West Fourth Street. Officers located her at the Minit Mart, at 2300 West Fourth St.
There, an employee said DeShong came into the store and started rambling in such a way that no one could understand what she wanted. When told to leave the premises, DeShong allegedly shoved the employee in the chest.
DeShong was taken into custody and arraigned by video at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 by District Judge Jerry C. Lepley. She is incarcerated in lieu of $5,000.
