Man charged in leaf blower attack

MEMPHIS, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- A Tennessee man is charged with simple assault for allegedly pointing a leaf blower at a woman who complained about debris on her car.

Judge Dan Brown ruled Monday there is probable cause to charge Michael Bridgewater Jr., 33, of Southaven with simple assault in the July 5 incident, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal reported Wednesday.

Kelly Carraway, an employee of Stage Road Barber Shop in Bartlett, told authorities she saw Bridgewater blowing grass-cutting debris onto her car and approached him. She said Bridgewater "intentionally" pointed the still-running blower at her "in an offensive and provocative manner."

Carraway said the blower "caused grass clippings, dirt and landscaping/parking lot debris to make physical contact with" her face. She said the incident led to respiratory problems that required medical attention.