Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(161,925 posts)
Sun Jan 31, 2021, 11:07 AM Jan 2021

53-year-old man arrested after beating, stomping victim for not social distancing by Florida pool, o

53-year-old man arrested after beating, stomping victim for not social distancing by Florida pool, officials say



Rayford Smith, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was arrested Friday
after he beat up a man, smashing the victim's dentures in
his mouth for not social distancing poolside in Florida, police
said. (Collier County Sheriff's Office/Collier County Sheriff's
Office)

By: Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Updated: January 31, 2021 - 9:34 AM

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A 53-year-old man was arrested Friday after he beat up a man, smashing the victim’s dentures in his mouth for not social distancing poolside in Florida, investigators said.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said Rayford Smith, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was sitting on a bench poolside at the Willough at Naples when the victim walked over to talk to him, WINK reported.

Investigators said Smith asked the man to keep at least six feet distance. The man left, but returned a few minutes later. Smith became angry when the man again did not keep far enough away from him, deputies said. Smith then pushed the man to the ground and repeatedly hit him. Smith also stomped his face, smashing his dentures in his mouth, deputies said. The man also suffered bruising from the attack, WINK reported. The man told investigators Smith attacked him so fast he was unable to defend himself, the Naples Daily News reported. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The victim was not not identified because of Marsy’s Law, a state law that keeps victim information private.

More:
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/53-year-old-man-arrested-after-beating-stomping-victim-not-social-distancing-by-florida-pool-police-say/PBIA3SARBBAFNDRO25XP52NHBM/

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Sancho

(9,078 posts)
2. I disagree with the violence, but he'll probably claim "stand your ground" or something...
Sun Jan 31, 2021, 11:19 AM
Jan 2021

...weird here in Florida. I also have been frustrated when people get in my space, don't wear masks, etc. So far I haven't punched anyone.


Ferrets are Cool

(21,374 posts)
3. It would be interesting to see how this plays out
Sun Jan 31, 2021, 11:33 AM
Jan 2021

we have all wanted to do this, but didn't. And since it's Florida, there is no telling what the outcome will be.

 

mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)
5. I don't condone violence, it's maybe time the maskholes start fearing for their physical safety ...
Sun Jan 31, 2021, 11:47 AM
Jan 2021

Perhaps this man has just taken one for the proverbial team.

3Hotdogs

(13,133 posts)
6. But how could you be defending yourself against something that is clearly a hoax.
Sun Jan 31, 2021, 12:29 PM
Jan 2021

Remember, this is Florida.

Dreampuff

(778 posts)
7. People definitely are scary
Tue Feb 2, 2021, 08:49 PM
Feb 2021

When they get into my space or are maskless. But couldn't this man have taken other action like just getting up and walking away or backing away from the person? It seems to work for me. If he is so afraid of getting Coronavirus, why wasn't he in his home state? Vacationing?

jb5150

(1,234 posts)
8. Why would people be hanging out by the pool in weather like this?
Wed Feb 3, 2021, 07:28 PM
Feb 2021

Seems like there is a lot more to this story ..

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Florida»53-year-old man arrested ...