Provo police arrest man for alleged aggressive panhandling

PROVO — Police arrested a man who they say hit and yelled at various people while panhandling Thursday.

Gary Stubbs, 55, was booked into Utah County Jail for investigation of assault, aggressive solicitation, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

Officers began receiving calls around 4 p.m. that a man was standing in traffic and banging on car windows near University Avenue and Center Street, police said.

Police responded to the calls and arrested Stubbs after they say he hit a patron of a Provo cafe twice in the shoulder. Stubbs had asked the group the individual was dining with for money and became upset when they offered him food instead, police said.

Police say Stubbs had also entered a Gandolfo's restaurant at 18 N. University Ave. to use a restroom, began yelling and slapped and hit the restaurant manager when she asked him to leave.

Court records indicate Stubbs has a history of alcohol-related charges dating back to 1999, to many of which he pleaded guilty, including driving under the influence, intoxication and having alcohol in a public park. Stubbs also has been convicted of criminal trespassing, criminal mischief and public urination.

— McKenzie Romero Twitter: @McKenzieRomero