By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 24, 2001
A Meridian Fire Department captain is free on $10,000 bond after being charged with aggravated assault in connection with a Wednesday fight in which he allegedly fractured the skull of a Lauderdale County man.
Richard Mackey, 53, of 7691 Pine Springs Road, was charged Thursday afternoon following an investigation by the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department. Mackey has been placed on 30-day suspension with pay, said MFD Chief Bunky Partridge.
Authorities are not releasing the name of the victim, but said the 44-year-old man has no connection with the fire department.
Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell said he received a call about 4:30 a.m. that a fight had broken out in a home in the Palmer Flats area near Pine Springs.
Mitchell said Mackey is accused of striking the man with a pipe wrench in the head and in the ribs.
The man was transported to University Medical Center in Jackson later on Wednesday. Mitchell said the man has an open skull fracture and injuries to his chest area.
Mitchell was attempting to learn the victim's condition at press time Thursday.
Authorities usually allow victims in similar cases to press charges, but because of the severity of the man's injuries and due to witness statements, sheriff's authorities made the decision to pursue charges. Mackey also faces charges of shooting into an occupied dwelling. The $10,000 bond includes $5,000 for the aggravated assault charge and $5,000 for the shooting charge.
The case will be presented to the November grand jury, Mitchell said.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.