Killeen man indicted in assault of Social Security Administration security officer
Temple TX May 26 2022
A 65-year-old Killeen man was indicted by a grand jury last week after allegedly assaulting a security guard at the Temple Social Security Administration’s office in March.
Perry Lee Penning allegedly used a cane in the assault on the security officer, a first-degree crime.
According to an arrest warrant filed by the Temple Police Department, around 6 p.m. 12:20 a.m. on March 22, officers responded to the federal office at 501 N. Main St. on an assault on the security officer on duty.
“The victim stated that the day before (Penning) had arrived upset and demanded to see a supervisor because he was unable to get an appointment,” the statement said.
Penning returned March 22 and, according to the statement, tried to enter the building and said he had an appointment but refused to show identification to confirm it.
“The suspect became aggressive and tried to break into the building by force,” the statement said. “As the victim tried to prevent the suspect from entering the building, the suspect used his cane to strike the victim’s left hand and the victim’s abdomen.”
A Temple Police spokeswoman previously told Telegram that Penning remained at the scene and was arrested.
The arrest came after some residents questioned why the Social Security office in Temple was closed during most of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the office offered limited personal services through appointments, as most were asked to use their online services, Telegram reported . Personal appointments at the temple office were resumed this month.
Penning issued a $ 7,500 bond on March 29 and was released from Bell County Jail.
He is due to appear in court on June 23 in the 27th District Court, chaired by Judge John Gauntt.
