Austell Woman Accused of Assaulting Police Officers Following Gas Station Robbery

An Austell woman is accused of assaulting police officers following a gas station robbery.

Morgan Nicole Vila, 31, is accused of going behind the counter of the Exxon Gas Station at 4805 Austell Powder Springs Road SW in Austell, near Clarkdale Park, on March 14 between 3:49 and 5:32 a.m. and causing over $1,500 in damages to the cash registers with a pair of scissors and a screwdriver and stealing between $2,000 and $3,000, according to an arrest warrant from the Austell Police Department.

Vila attempted to open a sliding Plexiglass door and cause physical harm to the officers resulting in a Taser being used twice. The second use occurred when Vila attempted to regain her balance and advanced on an officer with the screwdriver. Vila then resisted three officers trying to place her in handcuffs. She scratched, pinched and dug her nails into each causing them to bleed. EMS personnel had to administer medication to lower Vila’s level of violence. While being treated at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, security staff discovered suspected methamphetamine in her purse, according to the warrant.

Vila is charged with three counts of battery – simple battery – police; obstruction felony; theft by taking – greater than $1,500; criminal damage – second degree; criminal trespass remain in property; aggravated assault weapon; and possession of methamphetamine. She was arrested on March 15 at 2:01 a.m. and booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, according to jail records.

Vila remains in custody without bail.