A fight among three women caused a pipe to burst at a downtown Atlanta apartment complex Friday morning, forcing some local college students out into the cold.
A main water valve broke when security attempted to break up the fight at The Mix, a high-rise housing development on the corner of Piedmont and John Wesley Dobbs avenues that is marketed to Georgia State University students.
According to Atlanta police, one woman, 19-year-old Tamia Robinson, became combative. The 1.5-inch valve was somehow ruptured during the struggle with security officers.
Nine floors flooded when water leaked through the ceiling, Atlanta fire spokesman Anare Holmes said.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
While the off-campus complex has since been deemed safe for reentry, an unknown number of units were damaged, according to fire officials. Authorities have not said if any residents were displaced.
Students from other Atlanta colleges and universities also live at the complex, as well as recent graduates.
A Georgia State student said friends who witnessed the fight told her it started over a man, Channel 2 Action News reported.
“This just goes to show, boys are not worth it,” Angel Onyori said. “You’re not here for that.”
Water was pouring from windows several stories above the street level after the pipe burst about 4 a.m., according to Channel 2. Students and other residents were initially evacuated from the building before they were let into the lobby to wait.
Temperatures were in the mid-30s Friday morning, but a cool breeze was making it feel more like the 20s outside on the coldest morning so far this fall.
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While in the lobby, another student confronted Robinson and a second fight ensued, police spokesman Investigator James White said. She was detained at the time.
Authorities later arrested Robinson on charges of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct. The other woman, 18-year-old Tashiane Richardson, is facing a charge of disorderly conduct.
Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office and Atlanta Police Department
Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office and Atlanta Police Department
When reached by phone Saturday, an employee at the apartment complex declined to comment on the extent of the damage or say whether the affected residents were allowed back in their homes.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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