A Portland man was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly attacked a deaf man who was trying to communicate with him, which led to the victim's death.
Aaron Reed-Jones, 35, has been charged with Manslaughter, Assault, Criminally Negligent Homicide, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The incident happened on March 17 at the Max Mart Deli, at 122nd and East Burnside Street.
According to court documents, Reed-Jones was captured on store security footage buying a box of cigarettes. The victim, Curtis Davies, 62, a man who was deaf-mute, approached the counter and "tried to communicate" with Reed-Jones by tapping on his shoulder.
Reed-Jones reportedly said "Don't touch me again" to Davies
The video shows Davies touched him again on the shoulder and "put his hand in [Reed-Jones's] face," after which Jones turned and punched Davies three times in the head, knocking him onto his back on the floor.
Reed-Jones is then seen walking out of the store and saying "Don't touch me again, f---er," according to the documents.
Davies was transported to the hospital, but had significant brain swelling and died 6 days later after two surgeries.
Police say that the video footage and multiple people identified Reed-Jones as the suspect. He was arrested on March 28 after a search warrant was granted.
When Reed-Jones was arrested, he had a handgun, a pouch containing methamphetamine, and clear sandwich baggies.
Reed-Jones admitted to police that he punched Davies, according to court documents, and said he hit Davies after the man gave him a "thumbs up" and that he was not injured by the victim touching him.
Court records show Reed-Jones has been convicted of 4 felonies, 16 misdemeanors, and has 29 parole violations. He reportedly told jail staff he is unemployed and is a drug user.
He was arraigned Thursday and ordered held without bail. Reed-Jones has another court hearing scheduled on March 31.