By Ashley Silver
Police1
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Viral video footage from South Carolina shows what police are calling a brazen, random attack on an off-duty officer in broad daylight.
FOX Carolina reported the incident began shortly after an officer pulled up beside a man at a red light. The suspect, later identified as Stanley J. Howell, allegedly hurled a plastic water bottle at the officer’s patrol car. According to the Columbia Police Department, the officer then exited his vehicle because he believed something was wrong with Howell.
Once the officer and Howell were both outside of their vehicles, the video shows the suspect repeatedly punching the officer and pushing him against his patrol car in the middle of the road. The officer eventually discharged his TASER to ward off the attacker, causing Howell to fall to the ground.
Howell was arrested after being treated by EMS. He was charged with assaulting an officer while resisting arrest and public disorderly conduct. He was released on a $50,000 bond.
When interviewed by police about the assault, Howell admitted to attacking the officer and stated, “It’s Thanksgiving. I didn’t have anyone to spend it with. I might as well take it out on y’all.”
The officer suffered minor injuries after being punched multiple times in the stomach and face, according to the report.