Senior Accused of Assault with Metal Pipe over Debt

The 66-year-old mechanic at a Bradenton based auto repair shop is accused of hitting one of his former customers in the head with a medal pipe because the man had not paid his debt, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Ceasar Campbell, 3700 14th St. W., was arrested Tuesday on a charge of armed robbery after he allegedly saw a former customer who owed him $175, and robbed him of his wallet containing $10 in cash.

Campbell is reportedly employed as an auto mechanic works at Campbell’s Auto Repair in Bradenton.

The victim told deputies that he and Campbell were arguing over the debt, when Campbell took a metal pipe and struck him in the head and forearm, telling him he wanted his money.  The victim said he gave Campbell his wallet, a report states.

Campbell told the deputy that he never stuck the victim with any weapon, but did hit him in the face with his fists and elbows, and then pushed the victim into a palmetto bush. He said he took $5 from the wallet for himself, and gave the other five to his cousin.

According to a report, both Campbell and his cousin returned the money to the deputies, and told them they could find the wallet in the kitchen cabinet, which contained the victim's identification.

Campbell was taken to Manatee County Jail where he was additionally charged with contempt of court. He is being held on a $13,000 bond.