Cortez man arrested for aggravated assault

A 66-year-old Cortez man was arrested March 30 after brandishing a 30/30 hunting rifle in a threatening manner at Corky’s Live Bait & Tackle, 10103 Cortez Road W.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Colin Campbell of 11900 Cortez Road W. sat in the business parking lot for several hours, at some points revving his engine, and also trying to engage the store’s female employees in conversation.

Campbell then entered the store, purchased some items and exited, but did not leave the area. According to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report, Campbell approached the business with the rifle, a bat and a hammer in his hands and gestured at the employees in a threatening manner.

At one point, Campbell allegedly yelled out that he “smashes pig heads.”

According to the report, the women inside the business were in fear for their lives. Campbell allegedly took a photo of one woman’s vehicle tag before leaving.

MCSO deputies made contact with Campbell at his home and arrested him on a felony aggravated assault with a firearm charge. Upon his apprehension, police found the rifle, bat, hammer and several knives inside his vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered a complaint had been filed against Campbell for an incident at the Winghouse restaurant, 5105 14th St. W., Bradenton.

On March 22, Campbell entered the store, ordered his food and went inside the bathroom for about 20 minutes. When he exited, he placed his hand on a server’s shoulder, saying that her shoulder was sticky.

The woman told him not to do that, at which time Campbell allegedly made several sexual comments to the woman.

Campbell returned to the restaurant on the day of his arrest and ordered a pizza for all of the female employees. Upon placing his order, Campbell again went to the bathroom.

A male witness reported to the manager that Campbell was engaging in inappropriate behavior inside the bathroom.

The manager called MCSO and told Campbell to leave. He had left the business when law enforcement arrived, but was charged following his assault arrest with misdemeanor battery for having previously placed his hands on the server.

Campbell was booked into the Manatee County jail and held on $2,000 bond. According to jail records, he posted bond the following day and was released.

Campbell is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, April 19, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.