Elderly Man Injured in RV Park Assault; Suspect Arrested in Jasper County

Booking Photo: Roy Lee Smith, 53, of Jasper — charged with Injury to a Child/Elderly/Disabled Individual (Third-Degree Felony) Photo Courtesy of Jasper County Sheriff's Office

JASPER COUNTY, Texas – A 53-year-old Jasper man was arrested Sunday after deputies responded to an assault call at Fisherman’s Retreat RV Park, located just north of Jasper.

At approximately 4:57 p.m., Sergeant Cody Christopher and Deputy Brian Gray were dispatched to the RV park regarding an alleged assault. Upon arrival, deputies found the property gate locked, with the victim and suspect at separate residences inside the park.

The victim, identified as George McDaniel, 76, requested EMS for injuries he sustained during the assault. Authorities said the suspect, who held the key to the gate, initially refused to meet deputies. Only after speaking by phone with Sheriff Chuck Havard did the suspect unlock the gate and approach law enforcement.

Following an investigation, deputies arrested Roy Lee Smith, 53, of Jasper, on a charge of Injury to a Child/Elderly/Disabled Individual, a third-degree felony under Texas law. Smith was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

Smith is considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Havard said his office remains committed to addressing crime in the community.

“Protecting our vulnerable residents is one of our top priorities, and we will continue to pursue those who commit violent acts in Jasper County,” Havard stated.