Pool Stick Beating Puts Poteau Man In Hospital

A Poteau, Okla., man who police say beat another man with a pool stick is out of jail after posting bond.

Michael Todd Thompson, 48, was arrested Saturday in connection with aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police said Thompson followed Christopher Thomas, 38, out of All Star Lounge in Poteau early Saturday morning, then hit Thomas in the head twice with a pool stick, according to a Poteau Police Department incident report.

Thomas was admitted to the Choctaw Nation Indian Hospital in Talhina with bruises and minor injuries. He was later transported to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa so doctors could monitor a serious head injury.

Thompson told officers he mistakenly thought Thomas was the same man who burned down his parents’ rental house. He identified Thomas in the lounge and waited until Thomas was alone, according to the police report.

When Thomas stepped out for some fresh air, Thompson said he followed Thomas, the report states.

Thompson was booked into the Le Flore County Jail on Saturday. He was released the same day on $7,500 bond.