PALM BAY, Fla. – Palm Bay police arrested a man who was gathering signatures for a petition at Palm Bay City Hall on Wednesday after he battered a city code enforcement officer, city officials said.
The city claims that about 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to Palm Bay City Hall after reports that a city code enforcement official had been assaulted on the property, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.
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Police detained 57-year-old David Morris of Palm Bay and charged him with felony battery, according to reports. Because Morris was carrying a gun at the time of the incident, he was also charged with possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, an additional felony charge.
Police said Morris was gathering signatures for a petition and had illegally placed signs promoting his cause on City Hall grounds, the city said in a press release. According to Palm Bay ordinances, signs cannot be placed on city property without prior approval of the city manager or city council.
When a code enforcement official attempted to remove the signs, city officials said Morris grabbed the official by the arm and pulled her back. According to the press release, the official was "shaken up, and had some markings on her arm."
"We have had peaceful demonstrations at City Hall before and there has been no issue because they simply followed the rules for posting signs," said Palm Bay city manager Gregg Lynk. "What transpired this morning was an individual unwilling to follow the guidelines on our property and showing an incredible lack of restraint."
"The City of Palm Bay respects everyone's right to free speech and encourages political discourse," Lynk said. "But we will not stand for any kind of violence against our employees."
Thursday at the Brevard County Jail, Morris made his first appearance before a judge.
His wife told News 6 he later posted his $10,000 bond.
She said the code enforcement worker did not identify herself during the incident, nor was she wearing a badge.
Another Palm Bay man collecting signatures for the same petition, Russell Dejaiffe, told News 6 Thursday that a day before Morris was arrested, Dejaiffe had his own sign nearly in the same spot in front of City Hall.
"And nobody came over here and did anything to me," Dejaiffe said implying Morris was singled out.
"He's one of the leaders of it," Dejaiffe said. "In Afghanistan, they go out after people with predator drones. Around here, maybe they used code enforcement," he said.
Under the conditions of his bond, Morris must turn over any guns he owns to Palm Bay police.
The city Thursday told News 6 the incident was not caught on camera because the cameras at City Hall are not working.
The city said the cameras cannot be repaired under a shortage of funding in the current budget.