Man punched, taken to jail
What began as a downtown brawl – broken up by an off-duty highway patrolman – evolved into the discovery of a meth lab Monday afternoon, with the assault victim going to jail on drug charges.
Police say the assault victim, Randall Alan Bell, 40, was punched during a physical altercation near Morford and Chancery streets Monday afternoon, an incident reportedly witnessed by scores of rush-hour motorists. However, according to Sheriff Jackie Matheny, the fist was only the beginning of Bell’s problems.
According to Highway Patrolman Jimmy Jones, who was off-duty at the time, he witnessed an altercation between Bell and the passengers of another vehicle. Jones said he exited his vehicle and walked up to the men, identifying himself as a highway patrolman. However, Jones said at least one of the men then approached him in a threatening manner prompting him to call for back-up on his cell phone.
“They went speeding off from the light at Spring Street and when I caught up to them at the next redlight, they were fighting in the street,” Jones said.
Police and deputies arrived moments later and were able to neutralize the situation as motorists slowed to watch the spectacle. When the smoke cleared, the occupants of the other car were both charged. Houston David Forsythe, 20, is charged with assault on an officer, evading arrest and reckless driving. His passenger, Bobby Eugene Forsythe, 28, is charged with disorderly conduct. During subsequent questioning, lawmen determined the fight was likely over a woman.
After booking the Forsythes, lawmen noticed suspicious items in the back of Bell’s truck. A deeper dig through the trash in the truck netted evidence Bell may have been involved in making meth. A subsequent search of his apartment confirmed the suspicion as lab equipment and chemicals, along with marijuana, were found. Bell now stands charged with manufacture of meth.
“It was a bad day for Mr. Bell,” Matheny said. “He got punched in the middle of downtown and then he went to jail. He ended up being a victim and a perpetrator all in one day.”