CLEARWATER, Fla. – A Clearwater man is facing a misdemeanor battery charge following an incident between members of opposing political groups outside the Clearwater courthouse over the weekend.
Andrew Francis, 31, was charged with simple battery after the Saturday altercation near the courthouse at 315 Court Street.
According to the arrest affidavit, Francis approached the crosswalk on Court Street shortly before noon and directed aggressive actions and verbal obscenities toward a group affiliated with an opposing political party.
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After crossing the street, Francis encountered two individuals from the opposing group. The affidavit states that he “intentionally struck the victim with his shoulder,” causing her to lose her balance.
Francis was taken into custody and is expected to be booked into the Pinellas County Jail this evening.
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