Atmore woman acquitted of aggravated battery; other charges dropped
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
A 21-year-old Atmore woman, charged in May 2023 with two felonies and three misdemeanors related to the break-in of a Bratt mobile home and an attack on its occupants, was found not guilty by an Escambia County (Fla.) jury of the most serious accusation against her, aggravated battery (with a deadly weapon).
According to a summary posted online by the Escambia County (Fla.) Clerk’s Office, three of the other charges against Tiana Brooke Chick — a felony count of burglary with assault or battery, a misdemeanor count of simple battery, and a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief causing damage of at least $200 and not more than $1,000 — were nol prossed (the charges were dropped) during last Friday’s (August 16) court proceedings.
A second charge of criminal mischief was dropped because Judge Linda L. Nobles ruled “no probable cause was found” for bringing the charge.
Chick’s father, Charles Chick, said he and his family are glad his daughter received vindication.
“I would like to praise God for his will; the glory is His,” he said.
Pensacola attorney Patrece C. Cashwell, who represented the Atmore woman, was not in her office on Monday. A person who answered the phone said Cashwell was worn out from the trial, which reportedly did not end until “around 10 p.m.,” and was taking some time to recuperate from the ordeal.
Chick’s alleged partner in the incident, Devon Kyles, now 19, was released from the Escambia County Jail after two months when total bonds of $52,000 were posted on his behalf. He is accused of shooting one of the mobile home occupants in the arm and is charged with one count each of aggravated battery (with a deadly weapon), burglary (with battery), use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, simple battery and criminal mischief.
Based on sheriff’s reports, prosecutors had argued that Chick, a former Northview High volleyball player, and Kyles went to a mobile home on Oakshade Road, near Northview High School, where the victim and his current girlfriend were asleep.
The Atmore woman and man reportedly entered the home without being invited and “battered both victims” with their hands and with unspecified objects that qualified as weapons. Reports show that Kyles shot one of the mobile home occupants in the arm with a handgun, causing a “non-life threatening” injury.