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The Miami Times
Miami, Dade County, Florida
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Report on Miami Municipal Court session under Judge John D. Johnson, featuring a contentious assault case against two men by a police officer, countered by ex-officer testimony of unprovoked violence, resulting in fines after investigation; plus brief dispositions of other minor charges like disorderly conduct and assaults.
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News from Miami's Municipal Precinct Court
JUDGE JOHN D. JOHNSON, PRESIDING
By ELLIOTT J. PIEZE, Times Staff Writer
A near breaking number of cases were listed for trial in Municipal Court Monday. The record for a single day is 161.
Quite unusual was the case of John C. Dunnon of 1700 NW 66th st. and Theodore Dean of 1202 NW 64th st. Dunnon was charged with assault and battery on Officer J. Collier and with interfering with a police officer, and Dean was charged with disorderly conduct by using profanity and with resisting arrest.
The incident occurred Sunday morning in front of the Royal Drive-in Restaurant at the corner of 15th ave and 68th terrace, in Liberty City, according to Officers Collier and N. Mattox.
Officer Collier told the court that he and his partner were investigating a car that was parked in a manner: that it was blocking the normal flow of traffic when Dean made several disparaging remarks, which they interpreted as being intended for them. Collier continued, explaining that he had to use force in order to arrest Dean. Collier added that Dunnon approached him and grabbed him during the tussle with Dean. He arrested both men on the charges.
Surprising the entire courtroom, a former police officer, James "Buster" Collie, appeared as a witness for Dean and Dunnon.
The ex-officer told the court that he was present during all of the incident and that neither Dean or Dunnon did anything to Officer Collier. Collie said that he saw Officer Collier hit Dean on the head with a black jack, without any provocation, what so ever and that blood began streaming down Dean's face. Dean and Dunnon also said that the officer hit Dean for no reason.
Officer Maddox supported the charges made by Officer Collier. It was a case of charges and counter charges.
The case was continued Wednesday in order that the judge may have time to personally investigate the case.
On Wednesday after investigating the case, Judge Johnson ruled on the case in no uncertain terms. He fined Dunnon $150 or 60 days on the two charges and Dean, $100 or 40 days on his two charges.
Among other cases heard and disposed of were the following:
Tommy Griffin, charged with reckless and careless display of a dangerous weapon (a 12-gauge shot gun)-dismissed on a technicality in the law.
O. C. Biggins, charged with disorderly conduct, creating a disturbance, and Rosa Lee Mickens, charged with disorderly conduct, by using profanity, both dismissed on a technicality in the law.
Amos Thomas, charged with assault and battery with his hands on Rosalie Williams, fined $50 or 20 days.
John Mackey, charged with disorderly conduct, creating a disturbance and assault and battery with a radio on Frances Monroe, fined $110 on the two charges.
William McKenzie, charged with disorderly conduct, creating a disturbance, and with carrying concealed weapon (a knife). Case transferred to Justice of the Peace Francis J. Christie's Court, because McKenzie was already under a peace bond from that court, involving the same complaint in this case.
Charles Sweeting, charged with assault and battery with a board on Gloria Sweeting, and with disorderly conduct by using profanity, and resisting arrest-dismissed on the first charge, but fined a total of $75 or 30 days on the next two.
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Miami's Municipal Precinct Court, Royal Drive In Restaurant At 15th Ave And 68th Terrace, Liberty City
Event Date
Sunday Morning Incident, Monday Trial, Wednesday Ruling
Story Details
In Miami Municipal Court, Judge John D. Johnson presided over cases including the unusual incident where John C. Dunnon and Theodore Dean were charged with assaulting and resisting Officer J. Collier during an arrest at a drive-in restaurant. A former officer testified that Collier struck Dean unprovoked with a blackjack. After investigation, both men were fined. Other cases included dismissals on technicalities for reckless weapon display, disorderly conduct; fines for assaults; and a transfer for concealed weapon.