Athens man arrested after spitting on elderly father-in-law

By Joe Johnson

Michael Blanton Oakes, 48, of Wood Lake Drive, was arrested the morning of February 28th after a family dispute in which he reportedly spit on his 78-year-old father-in law.

Police said they responded at around 10 am to Oakes’ apartment where the victim and others were visiting.

They learned while arguing with his relative Oakes spit on him, at which time another man intervened and was punched in the face by Oakes as he tried separating them.

After interviewing witnesses at the gathering officers determined that Oakes had been the primary aggressor and arrested him on charges of battery, family violence simple battery, and simple battery on an elderly person.

As of Thursday he remained at the county jail in lieu of bonds totaling $3,500.