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Randall Jeppesen reportingA Payson man says he was just trying to stop some graffiti artists, but now he's charged with assault.
If you saw someone putting graffiti on your truck, what would you do?
Payson City Councilman Scott Phillips tells The Daily Herald he spotted two teenagers tagging his truck and a building on May 10 near 800 East and 100 North in Payson. He grabbed them by the back of the neck and told them to "get out of here."
A councilman for more than two years, Phillips says he did grab the men, but he didn't strike or hit them.
Now Phillips has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault and is scheduled to appear in court on July 3.
Phillips tells the newspaper it's pretty sad when you can't defend your own property.
The Salem City Police Department and Attorney's offices released a statement this afternoon. It reads, in part, "Salem City has been asked by Payson City to act as a special investigator and prosecutor of any case that has been filed against Scott Phillips concerning the incident of May 10, 2008. This is a standard request from a City in similar circumstances to avoid any conflicts in the investigation and prosecution of any case.
"The Salem City Police Department and Attorney's offices fully believe in the American justice system and that individuals are innocent until proven guilty."
If you would like to read the complete statement, click on the related link.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
(The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
