Tree trimmers' scuffle results in black eye

By Stacey Cameron, NEWS 9

SHAWNEE, Okla. -- George Davis knows there's a bit of danger to his job. While Davis didn't expect danger from a rival tree trimmer, it's exactly what he got. According to Davis, danger came in the form of a fist to his face.

"They pulled up, jumped out of their trucks, and jumped out at us. And that's how I ended up with this," Davis said. "Oh that eye is really bad. I mean it hurt."

Davis owns Daddy's Tree Service. He was busy working last Friday, when a rival competitor pulled up and asked Davis for his business license. When he refused to show them, the rivals assaulted Davis.

"He was sitting on my chest beating on my chest and my face," Davis said.

A Shawnee police report said the assault came from 45-year-old Rick Hasbell. Hasbell left a broken bone in Davis' cheek and a black eye. George wasn't hospitalized and he is back at work.

Shawnee police said George's business, Daddy Tree Service, has a license and was doing nothing wrong.