BILLINGS – A Laurel man is behind bars facing assault charges for allegedly punching a Billings police officer, while naked and trying to steal a patrol car.
Randy Wayne Riley, 18, was charged Wednesday with felony assault on a peace officer and three counts of criminal mischief.
According to court documents, Riley was walking down State Street on Billings South Side about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday yelling at passing traffic and half-naked, according to witnesses.
Officers said Riley had reportedly tipped a motorcycle previously on Sixth Avenue South, damaging a Honda passenger car. The owner told police Riley charged at him, and fearing he would be assaulted, he retreated to his house. That’s when Riley then apparently broke a light fixture on a porch and broke a planter, causing $3,000 In damages.
Later Riley was found by police walking on Washington Street in Billings.
When officers tried to get Riley to obey orders, he charged and attempted to get inside a patrol car to steal it.
Riley then started to run on Washington Street but then stopped in the middle of the road to take off his pants to become naked.
As more officers arrived to aid in apprehending Riley, he again charged police and at one point even climbed onto a patrol car. Riley also climbed to the roof of the car and damaged the hood.
Trying to control the situation, officers then deployed a Taser into Riley’s back. A struggle continued and that’s when officers said Riley turned and punched a Billings police officer in the face, hurting him.
Riley was then overcome by the officers and taken to the ground and handcuffed.
He appeared in front of a judge in justice court Wednesday to face charges. Riley was briefly taken to Billings Clinic to be checked out.
— Story by Andrea Lutz – MTN News
