By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
A 24-year-old Battle Creek man is facing assault charges for an attack on an elderly veteran at the Circle K gas station on M-89 in Otsego Township.
Richard Lee-Raymond Ward-Perry was arraigned in the 57th District Circuit Court in Allegan on two charges: assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and felonious assault.
The charges stem from an incident that took place on Nov. 3, 2021.
According to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Ward-Perry and Bill Simpson, an 86-year-old U.S. Army veteran, were pulling up to the same gas pump. An argument ensued, with Ward-Perry allegedly striking Simpson in the face.
Simpson was transported to a hospital and treated for his injuries before being released two days later.
Vanessa Syers, Simpson’s granddaughter, described the injuries Simpson suffered, citing several broken bones in his face and knocked-out teeth. Syers said Simpson needed a blood transfusion.
“There’s no excuse for what happened,” Syers said following the assault. “My grandpa didn’t deserve this.”
Simpson has since passed away from causes not directly related to the assault, according to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office.
Is he out of jail. That’s what is going around
Yeah to bad they let him out two days later for $2,500 what judge in their right mind let’s a third time violent criminal out on a $25,000 bond, we the family are absolutely disappointed in Allegan county!!!
That is so sad… that guy should be in jail.
RIP Mr. Simpson. Thank you for your service! I will BOLO for this POS!! Semper Fi Brother!
RIP Mr Simpson and I’m with you Barry! I feel like going on one more mission! I pray I run into this 🤡 or karma beats me to it!
Impossible situations are developing all over MI. Law enforcement has NO leadership & courts have gone rouge!