Crime & Safety

Cyclist Attacked, Robbed, Treated for Injuries

His alleged assailant was arrested for battery and obstructing an officer.

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A man riding his bicycle on Reese Street in the early evening this week was allegedly assaulted and attacked by Michael Ray Ratcliff, 42, of North Billups Street.

The bike rider told police he was riding near the park on Reese Street on Wednesday at about 6:15pm when Ratcliff approached him and asked for money, according to a story in the Athens Banner Herald.

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He told Ratcliff he didn't have any money and pedaled away, but Ratcliff chased him and pushed him from behind, the story says. The rider fell and broke his finger.

He told police he was unconscious after he fell, but he saw Ratcliff take $25 from his pants. Ratcliff allegedly pushed him down a second time and punched him in the face, the story says.

Find out what's happening in Athenswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Officers saw Ratcliff on Reese Street and arrested him, charging him with battery and obstruction of a police officer. According to the story, the bicycle rider was treated at Athens Regional for his broken finger and a bruised eye. Officers


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