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.