Crime & Safety

Aggressive Panhandler Punches Cop Outside 7 Eleven

Police said the man allegedly was grabbing people's arms demanding money as they walked out of 7 Eleven.

Newport Police charged William Bundy Collier, 43, of no address specified, Newport, with simple assault and resisting arrest on Monday after he allegedly became violent towards police when they responded to the Broadway 7 Eleven for a report of an aggressive panhandler. 

Police said they were dispatched to the convenience store at about 11:30 p.m. where they found Collier, who was allegedly asking patrons for money and “grabbing the person’s hands or forearm trying to insist for the money,” according to a police report.

Collier told police that he was a chimpanzee from Africa and a few moments later, punched a responding officer in the face. 

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A struggle ensued and Collier, who police described as a large male, reportedly exchanged blows with two officers who were finally able to get him to the ground and put on handcuffs.

One officer suffered an injury to his hand and abrasions near his eye.

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Collier, who suffered injuries from the arrest, was transported to Newport Hospital.

He was discharged from the hospital a short time later and was brought back to the police station to await arraignment. 


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