An argument over a four-pack of beer landed a Jupiter man in jail Saturday night after he punched a homeless man while standing in front of a town police officer, according to an arrest report made public Monday.
The officer was investigating a reported disturbance at about 8 p.m. along Indiantown Road just west of the Florida East Coast Railway tracks involving Nicholas Spencer Griffin, 29, and an older man, the report said.
The report said Griffen struck the other man in the face and was wrestled to the ground by police. He was arrested on a charged of aggravated battery on a person age 65 or older and remained in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail late Monday in lieu of $3,000 bail.
Nicholas Griffin
A witness told the officer Griffin had accused the older man of stealing a four-pack of beer and tried to start a fight with him, the report said.
While the witness was speaking, the officer saw Griffin pull his right arm back and throw a punch, the report said.
The officer immediately ran toward Griffin and told him to get on the ground. After repeating the command several times, the officer took Griffin to the ground and placed him in handcuffs, the report said.
The alleged victim told officers it was not the first time Griffin has attacked him. He refused medical treatment.
Griffin was taken to Jupiter Medical Center for medical clearance before being taken to the county jail.
