West Point Man Charged With Aggravated Assault

Press Release

WPPD make arrest in Stabbing Case

Local man charged with aggravated Assault

West Point, MS, Friday, November 22, 2013:  The West Point Police Department has made an arrest in an aggravated assault case that occurred in the city on Wednesday night.   Shortly after 10:00pm officers were called to the Oak Park Apartment Complex on Cromwell Street where a man was found sitting in a vehicle with stab wounds to the upper torso.  Because of his injuries police were not able to fully interview the victim until medical treatment could be administered.

Police investigators questioned the man at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus on yesterday afternoon to gather more details about the incident.  A short time later police arrested 44 year old Richard Earl Hamilton, aka “Mule”, of West Point for the attack.  The victim is still recovering in the hospital but his condition has been upgraded and is non-critical.

So far the investigation has revealed that the victim and Mr. Hamilton had an altercation on the 600 block of Smith Street.  The nature of the dispute is unclear but at some point the two men began fighting which led to the stabbing.  The victim drove himself away from the scene and was later discovered by relatives in a nearby apartment complex sitting in his vehicle.

Mr. Hamilton has been charged with one count of Aggravated Assault and is being held in the Clay County Detention Center.  Municipal Court Judge Benny Jones has set his bond at $25,000.  His initial appearance before the court is scheduled for today.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with any information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers.  Your tip could lead to a reward worth up to a $1,000.