New Source: JusticeNewsFlash.com
08/10/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, USA // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Boynton Beach, FL—A Weston man was arrested and booked at the Palm Beach County Jail after he reportedly shouted obscenities and proceeded to attack a Miramar man at Olive Garden Saturday afternoon, August 7, 2010. The altercation began when 36-year-old Paul Blankfield allegedly made offensive remarks about 43-year-old Richard Bennett’s 4-year-old autistic son, according to information provided by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Richard Bennett and his family were enjoying a double-birthday celebration for his wife, Sonia, and soon to be 5-year-old son Samuel at the restaurant Saturday afternoon. Just as they finished their meals and were about to pay the bill, Paul Blankfield began to complain about Samuel, apparently stating the young autistic child was speaking too loud.
Bennett contended Blankfield went on to ask, “Can’t you control your kid?” In response, Bennett went on to explain that his son was autistic. Nonetheless, Bennett reported Blankfield then made “a disparaging remark. Something like, ‘F— your autistic son!’”
According to Bennett, Blankfield subsequently “jumped up, pushed by my son and charged at me… He was on me in a flash.” While some employees and customers worked to break up the fight, Bennett alleged, “[Staff] catered to him and turned their backs on me… They acted as if I was the one who assaulted him. Totally inappropriate.”
Bennett eventually managed to exit the Olive Garden restaurant, located along Congress Avenue, and called 911 to notify officials of the incident. When police arrived at the scene, Blankfield told them Bennett said, “F— you!” However, witness Christine Lucenti contested Blankfield’s claims.
En route to the Boynton Beach Police Department, Blankfield stated, “You know what… good for him… he gets what he deserved… an autistic kid,” according to arrest reports. He was eventually booked in Palm Beach County Jail for simple battery. He was released late Saturday night.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Florida Personal Injury Lawyers.
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