Argument over panhandling in Bremerton gets physical


November 15, 2010 · 7:09 PM

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A scuffle broke out between three Kitsap Way panhandlers Nov. 12 after arguing over whose shift it was to stand near the highway.

A 50-year-old Bremerton man called 911 at about 2 p.m., saying he was assaulted by a 39-year-old, according to police reports. Police found both men with a 60-year-old man, all intoxicated, sitting behind the Kitsap Way Denny's restaurant. The 50-year-old said he was sitting with the 60-year-old when he got involved in a verbal, then physical dispute with the 39-year-old about whose turn it was to panhandle at the southbound State Route 3 off-ramp on Kitsap Way.

He told police he was attacked without provocation and the 39-year-old punched him in the nose, causing his glasses to bend and his nose to bleed. He also said his cane was taken from him and thrown down a pathway.

The 39-year-old said he took the 50-year-old's cane to protect himself because he thought the cane would be used to attack him.

The three men were asked to separate and leave the area.

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