Two charged after alleged assault on police

Contributed Report
Published: June 30, 2008

Two Culpeper Town police officers were allegedly assaulted while trying to mediate an argument between a man and woman early Saturday morning.

Jesse Owens Clark, 21, of the 1200 block of South East Street, stands charged with two counts of felonious assaulting police officers, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice and possession of marijuana.

Mary Green Williams, 41, of the 800 block of Gallows Court, faces a charge of felonious assault on a police officer.

While on patrol about 1 a.m., Officer David Cole heard people arguing through an open front door of a townhouse on Gallows Court. A woman appeared at the door, saw the police car and yelled for the officer to help her.

In his report, Officer Cole said he saw, “set of arms grab her by the back of her hair and shirt, pulling her back into the house, slamming the door behind her.”

The officer called for assistance and went to the door. He heard people yelling inside and “things hitting the wall.”

Clark opened the door and told Officer Cole it was none of his business what was going on when the officer asked.

Officer Cole asked Clark to step out of the way so that he could check on the well-being of the woman who had yelled for help.

Clark also allegedly kept reaching into his pockets after being warned not to do so. Clark allegedly threw a pack of cigarettes on the ground.

Officer Cole again asked Clark to move out of the way so he could enter the house. Clark allegedly refused and the officer attempted to move him out of the way. At that point, Clark allegedly spun around and struck Officer Cole in the face with his fist.

As Clark allegedly threw punches, Lt. Scott Roy arrived and the two officers and Clark fell off the steps. During the scuffle, Clark allegedly kneed Lt. Roy and attempted to grab the lieutenant’s weapon. Clark was taken into custody.

Williams allegedly came out of the house and attempted to calm Clark down. But she became “combative,” Officer Cole said in his report. Williams allegedly attempted to punch Cole several times.

Police also took Williams into custody.

Police recovered the cigarette pack on the ground and discovered a baggie of marijuana inside.

Officer Cole was treated for his injuries and released in the Culpeper Regional Hospital emergency room.

Williams refused medical treatment.

Williams’ bond was set at $2,000. Clark was held without bond.

Both Williams and Clark are scheduled for arraignment in general district court on July 9 at 8:30 a.m.