Felony Warrant Issued for Vian Man

A felony arrest warrant for aggravated assault and battery has been issued for a Vian man after an altercation Aug. 11 at the Sallisaw Walmart.

Jeffrey Allen Smith, 53, reportedly attacked an elderly man, Clifton Taylor, leaving him with a broken nose, facial lacerations and a large bump on his forehead.

Witnesses to the attack told police they heard screaming and yelling and saw a man strike the victim. Taylor told officers that as he was leaving the store, he encountered Smith, who was pushing a shopping cart behind him, almost hitting the man. When Taylor told Smith he had almost struck him, an incensed Smith reportedly got in his vehicle and tailed Smith to his parking spot. 

Smith then allegedly got out of his car and began striking Taylor, knocking him to the ground. After he was on the ground, Taylor said, Smith kicked the elderly man, who tried to crawl under his pickup for protection.

The eyewitnesses described the attacker as a stocky Native American man in his 30s or 40s. Officers were able to search social media to identify the assailant as Smith.

After the incident, an ambulance transported Taylor to Northeastern Health Systems, where he was treated and released.

Smith’s bond has been set at $7,500. The crime is punishable by imprisonment in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary for up to one year, a fine of up to $500, or both.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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