Lake Tyler Assault Investigated

TYLER – A Smith County teen tells officers he was assaulted at the Lake Tyler marina. Nicholas Smiley, 18, of Flint, said he was sitting in his pick-up in the parking lot when he was approached by a known white male who, he said, began to verbally antagonize him. The teen said the suspect attempted to fight with him. The suspect left, but returned a short time later with another man. The suspect is said to have punched Smiley several times while he was seated in his vehicle. The other subject did not take part in the assault.

While he was being assaulted, Smiley tried to drive away. As he pulled forward he struck a 16 year old male who was riding his bicycle. The bicyclist was knocked down. Smiley continued to drive away and stopped about a mile away where he called 911 to report the incident. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries and was expected to be transported by private vehicle to a hospital to be examined.

While the teen was stopped and waiting for officers, the brother of the bicyclist arrived. The brother, not knowing Smiley had been assaulted earlier, punched the pick-up’s window and shattered it. Police arrived a short time later. The investigation is continuing.