Homeless man accused of 'whooping' other man

FORT WALTON BEACH – A homeless man was arrested and charged with “whooping” another man, lawmen say.

On March 21 a Fort Walton Beach Police officer went to The Dodge’s Store on Eglin Parkway to investigate an alleged battery. There, he was told by the apparent victim that he had been struck in the face and head by 64-year-old Billy Ray Bottoms, no address listed, with a 2x4.

He said he was sleeping behind Jimmy’s Pawn Shop on Eglin Parkway when Bottoms attacked him. They had been arguing all day as they drank beer together, he said, and Bottoms had chased him north on Eglin Parkway until he reached the convenience store and asked employees to call law enforcement.

The man had noticeable injuries to his chin and the right side of his mouth, and a circular laceration and a large bump on his head. He also had a cut on his forearm.

The officer drove him back to the place he’d been sleeping to recover his belongings and found Bottoms there with two other men. The officer detained Bottoms and questioned the men. They said the victim slapped one of the men in the head, which presumably led to the attack by Bottoms. Neither men would say any kind of fight occurred after the slap.

Bottoms admitted to beating the man with his fists and feet in retaliation for the slap. He said the alleged victim is a bully. He denied using a board to “whoop” the man. 

Bottoms had been previously convicted of battery, so the new charge was a felony.

While the officer was finishing paperwork, Bottoms complained of chest pains and was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. He was later released to Okaloosa County Jail officials.

His court date is May 14.