Swampscott man charged with assault after hitting alleged robber

SWAMPSCOTT (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - A Swampscott man charged with punching a suspected thief outside his home told FOX 25 it was only self defense.

Anthony McKay of Cherry St. said he observed 28-year-old Christian Johnson of Lynn trying to steal tools from the back of his truck.

The 29-year-old said after confronting Johnson, the suspected thief pushed him and reached for something in his pocket.

According to the police report obtained by FOX 25, "Mr. McKay believed that Mr. Johnson was reaching for a weapon on him and ended up punching the male party in the face."

The blow knocked Johnson down and broke his jaw. Due to the severity of Johnson's injuries, police charged McKay with assault and battery.

Swampscott Police reported finding a knife, police style baton, and suspected heroin on Johnson.

Lynnfield based criminal defense attorney Richard Chambers has agreed to represent McKay pro-bono.

Chambers said McKay had every right to defend himself from an armed thief and he plans to help McKay fight the charge.