Assault leaves Columbia security guard with significant head, hand injuries
Columbia MO September 15, 2023
A Columbia man with a pattern of trespassing at a local business was arrested Tuesday after allegedly assaulting a security guard.
Antonio L. Sims, 44 of Jefferson City, was arrested on charges of felony first-degree assault and misdemeanors of fourth-degree assault and trespassing.
Sims is alleged to have entered a Columbia business shouting “Where is that p—- a– security guard at,” according to court documents.
The security guard recognized Sims from the previous day, as he allegedly was belligerent and using profanity inside the business Monday. Court documents did not list a business name or address.
The security guard had asked Sims to leave upward of five times Tuesday before Sims allegedly punched the guard in the face. There was a scuffle and an attempt to restrain Sims.
Sims is alleged to have punched the guard’s face and head up to 20 more times. Both men ended up on the floor during the restraint attempt and the guard’s head was pushed into a table. He briefly lost consciousness, according to court documents.
During the attempt to restrain Sims on the ground, the guard’s finger allegedly was bitten hard by Sims. Up to four other people helped the security guard restrain Sims by pulling open his mouth and poking Sims’ eyes and then holding him on the ground.
Columbia officer Phillip Moesel observed the extent of the security guard’s injuries, which included head and facial injuries, a bloody mouth, and a deep cut on his right ring finger. The guard was transported to a local hospital for injury treatment.
Because it caused serious physical injury, the assault charge is a class A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison if convicted.
According to online court records, Sims is being held in jail without bond.