KANSAS CITY —The Clay County, Missouri Prosecutors charged Charles Morris with the Felony of Assault in the 3rd Degree with a Special Victim, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Under Missouri law, charges may be elevated on certain crimes when the victim is over the age of 60.
According to the probable cause statement, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded Wednesday to a reported assault outside a residence in the Kansas City suburb of Liberty. The encounter began when the victim, who is over the age of 80, contacted Morris to ask him if he would help pick up storm debris. Following a verbal altercation, the victim began to drive away, prompting Morris to allegedly throw an object at the vehicle.
After the victim exited his vehicle, Morris allegedly struck the victim, knocking him to the ground. The victim suffered injuries to his face and hand but was able to return to his vehicle and drive away.
Morris was later arrested without further incident. After the sheriff's office filed charges, the Court issued an arrest warrant and set bond at $50,000.