Fall River Man Gets Jail Time for Assaulting Elderly Protestors

FALL RIVER — A Fall River man who assaulted three senior citizens demonstrating in support of police has been sentenced to serve 120 days — or around four months — in jail.

The Bristol County District Attorney's office said 25-year-old Jajuan Torres pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and battery on a person over 60.

Torres admitted to assaulting three elderly men holding "Back the Blue" signs outside the Fall River Police Station in October.

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On Oct. 29, police were called to the parking lot and saw Torres confronting the three older men.

Police said they saw Torres slap a 66-year-old man in the head.

The victims then told police that Torres had pushed the 84-year-old man — the alleged victim of a previous assault due to politics — to the ground before the officers arrived.

Both of the other victims said they tried to intervene when Torres slapped and spit on the 64-year-old man.

Two of the victims appeared in court during last Thursday’s plea hearing and expressed forgiveness, according to the D.A.'s office, which reported that they were "pleased" with the result.

Torres was sentenced to two years in the Bristol County House of Correction, with 120 days to serve and the remainder suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to undergo mental health treatment.

This is his first felony conviction.

"This conduct is simply unacceptable especially when directed at older victims, who were exercising their First Amendment rights," said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn.

"I am pleased that the defendant was held accountable for his actions."