A Gainesville man was arrested last Wednesday in connection with a robbery Nov. 5 during which police say he struck the victim several times on the face.
According to a police report, Michael Wims Jr. was charged with unarmed robbery, felony battery and possession of marijuana. He stole about $95 and a diamond earring worth $1,200 from Michael Rennold Madrazo.
He had arranged to meet Madrazo, and when he did he struck him on the face with a hard object, knocking him to the ground. Wims then continued to hit the victim on the face.
A witness told him to stop and stayed with the victim until an ambulance arrived.
Officers found 3.4 grams of marijuana in his pocket.
Wims said he hit the victim because he was concerned the victim was going to hit him first. He denied taking the money or the earring.
