Florida man arrested for assaulting journalist, shattering windshield

A man was arrested in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on May 3, 2019, for assaulting a FOX 35 News journalist and shattering his windshield with a beer bottle.

Reporter and anchor Albert “David” Bodden was covering an armed burglary that had taken place earlier that day when he was confronted by a nearby resident identified as Christopher Davis. Davis, who was not involved in the burglary, accosted Bodden and demanded that he leave the area, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office arrest report states that Davis appeared to be drunk—slurring his words, smelling of alcohol and carrying a bottle of Bud Light—and followed Bodden back to the FOX 35 vehicle while shouting profanities. When Bodden got into the passenger-side seat of the vehicle and closed the door, Davis threw the bottle he was carrying at the car, shattering the driver’s side windshield.

According to the report, Davis then entered the vehicle from the driver’s side of the car. The report quotes Davis telling Bodden, “I’m going to fuck you up,” as he raised a clenched fist toward him. Bodden, fearing for his safety, exited the vehicle on the passenger side to avoid a possible blow.

Approximately $500 of damage was done to the vehicle’s windshield, and Bodden gave deputies a sworn statement and informed them that he wished to pursue charges.

Davis was arrested at the scene on the charges of simple assault, burglary of an occupied conveyance, criminal mischief and disorderly intoxication. His arraignment has been scheduled for June 4.

— The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker catalogues press freedom violations in the United States. Email tips to tips@pressfreedomtracker.us.