Former Governor’s Son Accused of Assault

WASHINGTON (CN) — A Maryland man claims he was "brutally attacked" last year by the son of former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour after complimenting the younger Barber's wife.

Haley Reeves Barbour Jr. used a closed fist to punch Kurtis King at least a dozen times in the face and head after King complimented a woman who turned out to be Barbour's wife, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Federal Court.

The incident allegedly occurred around 11 p.m. on April 30, 2015, after King had dinner with some friends. King and his two friends were walking near D.C's City Center when he noticed a blonde female and "complimented her appearance," he claims.

"Mr. King heard a male voice from behind shouting and making fun of his hairstyle," the 8-page lawsuit states. "Mr. King noticed that defendant was running, full speed, directly towards him."

Barbour then "violently and physically attacked Mr. King," on the sidewalk in front of a restaurant, King alleges.

The online news site McClatchyDC.com reported the relationship of the accused Barbour to the former governor.

King sustained "numerous cuts and bruises on his face, neck, arms and knees" and his "nose was bleeding excessively and was visibly out of place," according to the complaint.

He says he was treated for a fractured nose and an abrasion on his knee at George Washington University Hospital.

Barbour was arrested after one of King's friends tracked Barbour while waiting for police and an ambulance to arrive. Barbour, the woman and another individual took off in different directions before meeting up at a nearby bar, according to King's lawsuit.

King's friend identified Barbour as the perpetrator, and Barbour was charged with felony aggravated assault.

Barbour has pleaded not guilty. The case is scheduled for a jury trial Nov. 15 before Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring. If convicted, Barbour could face several years in jail, according to McClatchy.

King seeks $75,000 plus punitive damages on each of three counts — assault, battery and infliction of emotional distress. His attorney, Roger Simmons, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

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