Assault on Officer x 2 Arrest – Raphael Lorenzo Parkman

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On May 22, 2018 at approximately 3:12 p.m., a Gulfport Police Officer was flagged down by a citizen at the Crossroads Shopping Center. While speaking with the citizen Raphael Parkman approached Officers and began to interrupt them. Parkman made statements such as “Why don’t you just shoot me!” and “Pull the trigger”. The Officer advised him to leave as they attempted to continue speaking with another citizen. Parkman again approached the Officer using loud profane language. Due to Parkman’s action a second Officer responded to assist.

Officers observed Parkman escalating in his behavior. Officers noted shoppers in the area were visibly shaken by Parkman’s actions. Officers approached Parkman and observed him to be under the influence of alcohol or another substance. As Officers were attempting to address Parkman, Parkman began to assault the Officers by striking them with his elbow and scratching another on his face. Parkman was arrested after a struggle.

Parkman was charged with Drunkenness in Public (bond $277.25)  and two counts of Simple Assault on a Police Officers. Warrants for Simple Assault on a Police Officer were obtained from Harrison County Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner. Parkman was transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center.