An El Dorado man was arrested April 14 for second-degree battery after allegedly attacking a former co-worker at a local business.
Gregory D. Roberson, 54, reportedly told officers that "he had reached his breaking point" after he was taken into custody following the incident at JMS Transport, 2600 E. Main.
Officers were called to the scene at approximately 9:14 a.m. April 14 in reference to a disturbance involving a former employee, later identified as Roberson, who allegedly refused to leave the business.
An employee told police that Roberson had assaulted him and left before officers arrived on the scene.
Police said the victim, 69, had "multiple, small skin tears around his left eye that were bleeding."
Officers said the incident was captured on surveillance video cameras and while reviewing the footage, they saw Roberson and the victim engaged in what appeared to be a heated discussion.
They said the pair were "pointing around" and looked to be yelling at each other, noting they were drawing the attention of other employees in the shop.
Roberson appeared to make contact with the victim when he pointed his finger in the victim's face and when the victim swung his right hand toward Roberson in apparent attempt to "smack Roberson's hand out of his face," Roberson punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, police said.
They said Roberson continued attacking the man and another employee intervened to stop the fight.
Police said that after the victim got up, he said something to Roberson, who then took another swing at the victim but stopped himself before making contact with the victim.
With assistance from Union County Sheriff's Office deputies, El Dorado police went to Roberson's residence in the 100 block of Kevin Lane and took him into custody without incident.
Police said Roberson "surrendered peacefully" and spoke calmly about the incident, telling officers that he had been "pushed to his breaking point."
Roberson remained in the Union County jail late Monday afternoon.
According to state law, a defendant commits second-degree battery when purposely causing serious physical injury or knowingly targeting a vulnerable victim, such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, teacher, elderly adult (60-plus years old), a child (12 and under), state employee, healthcare professional or incompetent individual.
The charge has been classified as a Class B felony offense, with possible penalties that include a prison sentence of 5 - 20 years and a maximum fine of $15,000.