Resident in Monessen group home charged in alleged assault of employee
A resident at a group home in Monessen for those with learning and mental disabilities has been charged with aggravated assault following an alleged altercation with the facility’s employees.
On Thursday, Monessen Police charged Shannon L. Fowler, 28, with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.
According to the criminal complaint filed before Magisterial District Judge Joseph Dalfonso, police were dispatched to the Community Residential Rehabilitation home of SPHS Behavioral Health System on Reed Avenue on Jan. 31 for a report of a resident being out of control.
Fowler answered the door and appeared to be upset, saying she was having a flashback and went outside to have a cigarette while police spoke with Bobbie Jo Fordanich, a worker at the home who told police that Fowler was upset over a situation with one of her friends.
Prior to police arrival, Fowler told the home’s supervisor that she was going to run away because nobody cared about her, the complaint stated. Police said when Fowler got off the phone with the supervisor, she threw the phone across the room.
Fordanich tried to have Fowler calm down in a room, police said, but Fowler allegedly grabbed Fordanich by both arms and threw her into the corner and held Fordanich by her arms. Police said Fowler let go after Fordanich demanded she do so.
Fordanich then called 911 where police arrived and transported Fowler to Mon Valley Hospital for an evaluation.
On Wednesday, police said they spoke to the staff regarding the incident and were told that Fowler often says she is having flashbacks to get out of something or avoid getting into trouble.
Police said they spoke with Fordanich, who told them she went to the Med Express in Belle Vernon on Feb. 1 for medical attention because of the incident and found out her shoulder was injured to the point where she did not have full function of her right arm.
A warrant has been issued for Fowler’s arrest.