Morgan County man charged with assault

VERSAILLES — A Rocky Mount man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly sprayed his neighbor with bear repellent during a property dispute.

According to a release from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, deputies arrested Ollie R. “Ray” Hooks, 69, after the victim alleged he sprayed her in the upper body and face three times after an argument.

Deputies and members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol found 31-year-old Danielle Kimmel lying in her driveway. She told them she was unable to see.

Bear repellent is a strong form of oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly referred to as O.C. or pepper spray and used by law enforcement officers. The spray can cause loss of vision, painful burning, excessive mucous production and extreme difficulty breathing that can last for around 45 minutes to an hour.

“This is an on-going property dispute that got out of hand when one of the parties decided to introduce bear repellent into the situation.  Violence is never the answer,” said Sheriff Jim Petty.

Hooks was at the Morgan County Adult Detention Center pending the filing of formal charges, the release states.