Arrested: Man accused of violently attacking beloved Short North artist
Update: The man accused of attacking a Short North street artists has been arrested. Brendan Tyler Baldwin (30) allegedly assaulted Malcolm Jones (63) with a broken bottle on March 1.
FELONIOUS ASSAULT ARREST: 30yo Brendan Baldwin of Granville arrested for striking 63yo Kevin “Malcolm” Jones (M/B) in the face w/a glass bottle causing extensive injuries-he underwent surgery. Crime occurred 3/1/18@Mike’s Grill-724 N. High St. #CPD pic.twitter.com/EcxIfDrlZb
— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) March 9, 2018
The attack happened at Mike’s Grill after Jones helped remove a belligerent customer. The same customer returned and came after Jones with a broken bottle, causing significant damage to his eye socket which required surgery.
Jones is in jeopardy of losing sight in his right eye, reports 10TV.
03/05/2018: A prominent individual in the Short North community is being hospitalized after a violent attack. Malcolm Jones is a local artist best known for capturing streetscapes in the Short North—a labor of love he enjoys doing along High Street during Gallery Hop. He’s also revered for his warm personality.
“If you have been in the Short North any time in the past couple of decades, you have seen Malcolm J. His wonderful artwork and friendly personality are part of the fabric of the neighborhood,” Laura Cotton wrote on GoFundMe.
Jones’ work is often displayed inside local business, including Mike’s Grill at 724 N High St. where an unfortunate scene played out last week.
10TV spoke with a bartender who said an unruly customer on Thursday lead Jones to come to her rescue. After Jones and the bartender managed to get the belligerent customer out of the bar, he scaled the fence and reenter the bar armed with a broken beer bottle with which he blindsided Jones in the right eye.
Jones underwent surgery on his fractured eye socket. It is currently unknown whether he will regain sight or not. CPD has identified a suspect and are continuing investigation.
Bar manager Mike England along with others in the community are crushed by the tragedy but Jones remains positive, even from his hospital bed.
“Because of his limited resources, Malcolm will surely need financial assistance to bounce back from this episode,” wrote Laura Cotton.
To help Jones return to the art and neighborhood he loves most, visit his GoFundMe page.
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